FORT CHIPEWYAN, ALBERTA — Fort Chipewyan Airport will receive funding to enhance safety, thanks to an investment by the Government of Canada through the 2008-2009 Airports Capital Assistance Program. Brian Jean, MP for Fort McMurray-Athabasca, made the announcement today on behalf of the Honourable Lawrence Cannon, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities.

Fort Chipewyan Airport will receive up to $685,000 to cover the cost of wildlife control fencing.

“The Government of Canada seeks to ensure a safe, efficient and affordable airports system to serve Canadians well into the future,” said Mr. Jean. “With these funds, Fort Chipewyan will be able to improve safety at the airport and protect all travellers who use it.”

“The safety of the travelling public continues to be a top priority for our government,” said Minister Cannon. “This funding will enable Fort Chipewyan Airport to enhance safety.”

The Airports Capital Assistance Program finances capital projects related to safety, asset protection and operating cost reduction. Eligible airports must have year-round regularly scheduled passenger service, they must meet Transport Canada airport certification requirements, and they cannot be owned or operated by the Government of Canada.

Since its creation, the program has distributed over $468 million for 562 projects at 164 airports. Over 99 per cent of these were airside safety-related projects such as the rehabilitation of runways, taxiways, visual aids and heavy airside mobile equipment.