The Nanaimo Airport is receiving a $2 million grant from the B.C. Air Access Program for runway instrument approach lighting to support economic development, improve aviation services and enhance access to B.C.’s rural and remote communities.
The provincial government invested $19.8 million in the grant program which will support 29 air facilities across B.C. in completing 40 projects including runway extensions, improved runway lighting, pavement improvements, terminal enhancements and better fire protection.
Doug Routley, MLA for Nanaimo-North Cowichan, said in a news release the funding will help ensure a better experience for the people and businesses who rely on the airport.
“Nanaimo Airport is an essential part of the community, not only because of how we can move around, but also through the environmental monitoring, community projects, and scholarships it supports. Supporting their safety needs and infrastructure with air access grant funding will ensure they can continue to play a role here in Nanaimo,” he said.
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Under the air access program, airports, heliports and water aerodromes submit project proposals to access grants to support infrastructure goals. Rob Fleming, B.C. minister of transportation and infrastructure, said in the release that the program helps communities, especially smaller ones, make important improvements to aviation facilities.
“This investment will help move people and goods, improve safety and benefit front-line services, like air ambulance and wildfire fighting, as well as making for more secure access to remote and Indigenous communities,” he said.
Over $66.8 million in grants have been committed to 71 air facilities by the BCAAP since its inception in 2015. The program is only open to applicants from facilities that serve fewer than one million passengers annually.
bailey.seymour@nanaimobulletin.com
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