David Wilks, Member of Parliament for Kootenay—Columbia, on behalf of the Honourable Lisa Raitt, Minister of Transport, today announced that the Government of Canada is investing $1,027,052 to enhance safety at the Canadian Rockies International Airport.
"The Canadian Rockies International Airport is a key hub in southeastern British Columbia. This investment promotes the safe and efficient movement of passengers and cargo which will help ensure the right conditions for job creation and economic growth in Southern British Columbia," said Wilks.
Funding will pay for upgrading the airport's airfield lighting, including electrical distribution systems, runway guard lights for Taxiways A and B, and airfield apron flood lights. This work will ensure continued safe airfield visibility and conditions on the runway and taxiways for flight crews, passengers, and employees, and aerial firefighting and air ambulance operations.
"The City of Cranbrook is pleased to be proceeding with this much needed and important project which will improve safety and reliability of operations at Canadian Rockies International Airport thanks to the investment of the federal government through the Airports Capital Assistance Program," said Cranbrook Mayor Lee Pratt. "This airport connects us to world and supports local businesses in Cranbrook and region. This is an investment not only in air safety but in the economic foundation and potential of the East Kootenay."
Funding is provided through Transport Canada's Airports Capital Assistance Program (ACAP).
To date, through ACAP, the Canadian Rockies International Airport has received over $9 million in funding for 14 safety projects, including today's announcement.
Previous projects included the rehabilitation of Runway 16-34 and Taxiways A & B; the replacement of a snowblower and snowplow truck, a front-end loader, and sweeper; previous airfield electrical upgrades; and the purchase of a wet/dry chemical spreader.