Governments of Canada and Newfoundland and Labrador
announce Labrador Coast airstrip restoration projects for 2003-2004

Lawrence O�Brien, MP for Labrador, on behalf of Transport Minister David Collenette, together with provincial Works, Services and Transportation Minister James Walsh, announced on July 7 that improvement projects will be carried out at eight airstrips in fiscal year 2003-2004 under the existing Labrador Coast Airstrips Restoration Program. Under this program, the Government of Canada is contributing $1 million, which represents 100 per cent of the cost to complete the projects.

"This is positive news for the residents and businesses of these communities," said Mr. O�Brien. "These airstrips provide an essential transportation link for coastal Labrador communities on a year-round basis."

Under a 1982 Labrador Air/Marine Services Agreement, Transport Canada has an ongoing commitment to fund the Labrador Coast Airstrips Restoration Program. The primary objective of the program is to restore the airstrips along the Labrador Coast to ensure the operational capability of the airstrips is maintained at the level necessary to meet Transport Canada Airport Certification requirements. Since 1983, the Government of Canada has invested close to $7 million in Labrador Coast airstrip restoration projects under this program. In April 2003, the Government of Canada announced that it will invest up to $5 million for the restoration of the Labrador Coast airstrips for the period of April 2003 to March 2008.

The airstrips included in this year�s restoration projects include: Black Tickle, Hopedale, Makkovik, Nain, Port Hope Simpson, Postville, Rigolet, and Williams Harbour.

"The coastal communities of Labrador are critically dependent on their airstrip for accessing the national transportation system on a year-round basis," said Mr. Collenette. "The Labrador Coast Airstrip Restoration Program is part of the Government of Canada�s commitment to provide reasonable access to the national transportation system for remote communities where such access is not financially self-sufficient but is essential to their survival."

"The airstrips along the coast of Labrador are an important mode of transportation for people in Labrador," said Works, Services and Transportation Minister Jim Walsh. "I am pleased the federal government is continuing its commitment to this program, as it helps ensure the necessary restoration work is carried out at the airstrips to keep them operational throughout the year."

Funding for this initiative was provided for in the February 2003 federal budget.

A list and description of this year�s restoration projects is attached.

Media contact:

Tracey Hennessey
Communications
Transport Canada
(709) 772-6197

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

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

This news release may be made available in alternative formats for persons with visual disabilities.

Labrador Coast Airstrips Restoration Program
PROJECTS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2003-2004

Restore electrical systems.

Restore electrical systems; modify heating fuel system; restore sewer system; and supply and install gates and fencing.

Restore electrical systems; modify heating fuel system; restore water and sewer system; reconfigure and restore passenger waiting area; restore parking area and access road; supply and install gates and fencing to secure access to apron; and repair building envelope.

Replace loader and snow blower; modify heating fuel system; and reconfigure and restore passenger waiting area.

Restore electrical systems.

Restore electrical systems.

Install new runway identification lights; restore electrical systems; and restore sewer system.

Install new runway identification lights; and restore electrical systems.

2003 07 08                                    9:40 a.m.