PROVINCE PROVIDES $11 MILLION FOR PG AIRPORT EXPANSION

PRINCE GEORGE – The Province will provide up to $11 million to the Prince George Airport for expansion of its main runway so it can service larger airlines flying between Asia and North America, Premier Gordon Campbell announced today. “The Prince George Airport is strategically located to service air cargo traffic travelling between North America and the booming economies of China, Taiwan, South Korea and other Asian countries,” Campbell said. “This funding, along with earlier provincial contributions for improvements at the airport, allows Prince George to move forward on its plan to become a major international gateway for cargo and passenger traffic.” The Prince George Airport Authority (PGAA) is planning to increase its main runway to 11,400 feet from the current 7,400 feet, and upgrade its taxiway, apron system and navigational aids. With air traffic increasing between North America and Asia and other airports on the circumpolar route nearing capacity, the PGAA identified the need for an additional facility where aircraft can re-fuel and, eventually, transfer cargo.

The Province’s contribution to the runway expansion project includes $1 million committed earlier for related engineering and design work. In addition, in 2005, the Province contributed $3 million towards the expansion of the airport’s terminal building.The Northern Development Initiative Trust (NDIT) and Western Economic Diversification Canada are also providing $11 million each towards the project. Established in 2004 with an initial investment of $135 million from the B.C.-CN Rail Partnership, the NDIT assists B.C.’s northern communities with economic development and diversification projects.
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Don QUIXOTE NOTE:
If the local Airport is ever looking to expand or relocate then it should remember that there is a Southern Interior B.C. trust called the Southern Interior Development Initiative Trust whose mission is is to support regionally strategic investments in economic development projects that will have long-lasting and measurable regional benefits for the Southern Interior. One of the 13 board of directors who decides on acceptable projects is Mayor Wayne Lippert of Vernon.