Governments of Canada and Newfoundland and Labrador 
announce Labrador Airstrip Restoration Projects for 2001-2002

Lawrence O�Brien, MP (Labrador), on behalf of Transport Minister David Collenette, together with Percy Barrett, provincial Minister of Works, Services and Transportation, today announced that eight airstrip improvement projects totaling approximately $1,200,000 will be carried out in fiscal year 2001-2002 under the existing Labrador Coast Airstrips Restoration Program.

"This is positive news for the residents and businesses of these communities as these airstrips provide increased mobility and year-round access, especially during the winter months," said Mr. O�Brien.

Under a 1982 Labrador Air/Marine Services Agreement, Transport Canada has an on-going commitment to fund the Labrador Coast Airstrips Restoration program. The Program called for the construction of 14 sites with the federal government retaining responsibility for funding major restoration projects. The airstrips are located in Black Tickle, Charlottetown, Cartwright, Davis Inlet, Fox Harbour, Hopedale, Makkovik, Mary�s Harbour, Nain, Paradise River (now abandoned), Port Hope Simpson, Postville, Rigolet and Williams Harbour.

The airstrips included in this year�s restoration project include Cartwright, Black Tickle, Makkovik, Hopedale, Postville, Davis Inlet, Nain and Rigolet.

"The Government of Canada is committed to its continued funding towards restoring the airstrip facilities in Labrador," said Mr. Collenette. "This program is another step to ensure that Labrador continues to have a safe and efficient transportation system."

"The residents of our coastal communities rely heavily on air transportation and the restoration program ensures that Labrador is equipped with safe and quality airstrips," added Mr. Barrett. "I am pleased that the federal government is continuing its obligation to the Labrador Coast Airstrips Restoration Program."

Funding for this project was provided for in the February 2000 budget and is therefore built into the existing financial framework.

Contacts:

Maurice Landry
Communications
Transport Canada
(506) 851-7562

Lynn Evans
Communications
Works, Services and Transportation
(709) 729-3015

Transport Canada is online at www.tc.gc.ca.

• Cartwright - Purchase and installation of windsock and rotating beacon.
• Black Tickle - Purchase and installation of runway identification lights (RILS) and windsock.
• Makkovik - Drainage improvements and stockpile of maintenance grade III crushed material. Purchase and installation of runway identification lights, windsock and rotating beacon.
• Hopedale - Extension of existing threshold of Runway 25 from 21m to 30m to meet certification requirements and placement of stockpile of maintenance grade III crushed material.
• Postville - Restoration of airstrip surfaces and placement of stockpile of maintenance grade III crushed material. Supply and installation of runway identification lights, windsock and rotating beacon.
• Davis Inlet - Restoration of airstrip surfaces, repair/refurbishment of graded areas on both sides of the runway and prior to both thresholds, as well as some drainage correction. Placement of stockpile of maintenance grade III crushed material. Supply and installation of runway identification lights.
• Nain - Provision of power line to lower beacon.
• Rigolet - Purchase and installation of rotating beacon and windsock.