Canadian PM Harper announces support for expansion of Jean-Lesage International Airport

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Canadian PM Harper announces support for expansion of Jean-Lesage International Airport

2011-03-17 02:03:12 GMT+7 (ICT)

QUEBEC, CANADA (BNO NEWS) -- Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper on Wednesday announced federal support for the long-term expansion and modernization plans of Jean-Lesage International Airport in Quebec City.

More than 1 million people go through Jean-Lesage International Airport every year and the airport ranks as the 14th busiest airport in Canada, and the second busiest in Quebec. The modernization plan is also being supported by Josée Verner, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs.

"The Jean-Lesage airport is an important component of Canada's national and international transportation network," said Harper. "By making it more attractive to passenger and cargo traffic, our Government is helping businesses in the Greater Quebec City Area compete in the global marketplace and ensuring that the region achieves its full economic potential."

Work at the airport will include the extension and widening of two paved strips on airport grounds, the upgrading of underground utilities, as well as the construction of an additional taxiway to connect the Delta and Golf taxiways. These upgrades will improve airport service for domestic and international flights, enhance cargo capacity, and increase the efficiency, capacity and safety of airport operations.

Federal funding for this particular project, which is valued up to $21.6 million over a maximum of three years, is made possible through the Gateways and Border Crossings Fund. The Fund provides support for transportation infrastructure in order to develop and exploit Canada's strategic gateways, trade corridors and border crossings. The airport authority will also be contributing $21.6 million. The remainder of the federal funding will be set aside for other eligible airport upgrades.

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