Airport Expansion Funding Announced

SERVICE N.S./MUNICIPAL RELATIONS--Airport Expansion Funding Announced

The federal and Nova Scotia governments have announced funding of $1.4 million to support the expansion of commercial opportunities at the Halifax International Airport.

The announcement was made today, March 3, by federal Minister of Industry Alan Rock and Minister of Fisheries Robert Thibault and by Peter Christie, Minister of Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations. The federal share of the funding is $900,000, while the province is contributing $500,000.

The investment will allow the Halifax International Airport Authority to develop an additional 14 commercial lots near the airport's passenger terminal, said Mr. Rock. New commercial lots will mean new tenants, and new tenants will mean new jobs.

"This contribution underlines the government of Canada's commitment to helping businesses become ever more competitive in North America and global markets," said Mr. Thibault. "It is evidence of the government's desire to build trade infrastructure that can be promoted throughout the world."

Mr. Christie said the Halifax International Airport is one of the province's most important transportation facilities. "All Nova Scotians have a stake in the future of this airport. Its continued growth and competitiveness depend on investments such as this," he said.

Reg Milley, president and CEO of the Halifax International Airport Authority, expressed confidence that development of Airside Lot Subdivision would support both the development of Halifax International Airport and local exporters.

"We are confident that the steady growth we have seen in air cargo business will accelerate when we can provide the added capacity to serve it," said Mr. Milley. "With the help of our federal and provincial government partners, we will now be able to provide the level of service necessary to meet the growing demand for airside access."

Halifax International Airport Authority is a not-for-profit community-based organization. The funding for the Airside Lot Subdivision expansion was provided through ACOA's Business Development Program. The total cost of the expansion is $2,995,000.