|
BAIE-COMEAU, March 31 - The transfer of ownership of the
Baie-Comeau Airport from Transport Canada to the Manicouagan Regional County
Municipality (RCM) will allow the region to take greater advantage of its
airport, announced today Transport Minister and Minister responsible for
Eastern Quebec, Jean-C. Lapierre.
"The Manicouagan Regional County Municipality is to be congratulated for
joining the move towards a new era of airport management in Canada", said
Mr. Lapierre. "Taking over the ownership of the Baie-Comeau Airport will allow
the RCM to be in a better position to respond quickly to the needs of the
people in the area and tailor levels of service to local demands."
In addition to the ownership transfer, Transport Canada will contribute a
total of $595,000. This contribution will be used to cover the cost of
important maintenance that will contribute to the overall safety of users,
based on priorities identified by the RCM.
The Baie-Comeau Airport is part of the regional-local airport category.
Under the National Airports Policy, announced in July 1994, local interests
are being offered the opportunity to assume ownership of small airports.
"The National Airports Policy allows local communities to take greater
advantage of their airports, and attract new and different types of business",
added Mr. Lapierre. "The better use of Canada's infrastructure in this manner
will ultimately provide a boost to commercial trade, tourism and regional
development".
Following the operations transfer of today, the Baie-Comeau Airport will
qualify for capital contributions under the Airport Capital Assistance Program
(ACAP). ACAP allows eligible airports, to finance capital projects geared to
improving safety, asset protection and to cutting operating costs.
Transport Canada continues to regulate the safe provision of air
navigation services across the country. The department will also continue to
enhance the safety and security at Canadian airports through aviation
regulation and airport certification processes. |
