NDP MLAs say funding for local airports will support services in the Kootenays
CASTLEGAR – New Democrat MLAs Katrine Conroy and Brittny Anderson say people and businesses will benefit from funding announced today for regional airport upgrades.
“Our local airports connect the Kootenays to the rest of the province, which benefits local residents, visitors, and businesses,” said Katrine Conroy, MLA for Kootenay West. “Helping airports to upgrade their facilities means better services will be available for people for years to come.”
The following local airports are receiving funding:
- West Kootenay Regional Airport (Castlegar) – Rehabilitation of the aviation apron – $1.6 million
- Creston Valley Regional Airport – Creating an airport master plan – $35,000
- Trail Regional Airport – Trimming treetops around the airport for safety – $19,747
“Local airports are such important assets for our rural communities,” said Brittny Anderson, MLA for Nelson-Creston. “We’re supporting airport upgrades and future planning so that services like air ambulances will continue to be there for people when they need them.”
Across the province, the New Democrat government is investing $11 million this year to support 26 projects at two dozen regional airports through the BC Air Access Program. The program is open to facilities that serve fewer than one million passengers per year.
Since 2017, the BC Air Access Program has provided more than $63 million in grants to support infrastructure improvement projects at 71 regional airports and air facilities.
Learn More: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2024MOTI0043-000452