A NORTHERN development agency is providing $250,000 to help pay for a third aircraft parking spot in front of the Northwest Regional Airport’s terminal building.
“The addition of a third aircraft parking area will allow the airport to service three commercial aircraft at one time, also resulting in a reduction in the wait time for passengers in the terminal building,” a Northern Development Initiative Trust press release indicated today.
The trust, which is financed through interest and investments stemming from the long-term lease of BC Rail track to CN, has helped finance other northern airport projects.
The grant is being provided through the trust’s Economic Diversification Infrastructure program, which provides up to $250,000 to northern municipalities, regional districts, First Nations and non-profit organizations.
Airport manager Carman Hendry said the project is expected to be completed by the end of October in time for the winter season.
Traffic has been growing steadily at the airport over the past several years thanks to Rio Tinto Alcan’s smelter project in Kitimat, the construction of B.C. Hydro’s Northwest Transmission Line and other industrial developments.
The actual cost of the apron is estimated at just under $1 million.
It will consist of a thick concrete pad designed to hold the weight of commercial aircraft.
The airport will realize some cost savings by crushing rock material found on its property.
