Innovation, Trade and Rural Development
April 23, 2009

Aviation Museum in Central Region Receives Provincial Government Support

The North Atlantic Aviation Museum Incorporated (NAAM) is receiving $13,840 from the Provincial Government to evaluate opportunities to best capture and celebrate Gander�s aviation history. The results of the study will be used to improve the facility�s layout and design, making it an attraction for visitors and residents, with the ultimate goal of increasing traffic to the museum.

"Our department has taken an active role in working with community organizations such as the North Atlantic Aviation Museum to find ways to improve infrastructure that contributes to economic growth," said the Honourable Shawn Skinner, Minister of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development. "Gander�s airport and geographical position make the town a central point for many visitors to the province, making the museum�s development a key part of building the tourism industry."

Established in 1997, NAAM is a non-profit organization that focuses on North Atlantic aviation history pertaining to Gander that dates back in the 1930s. The bulk of aircrafts, artifacts, photos, and text archives represents the period between the WWII years and early jet age. A key feature of the museum is the placement of a DC-3 cockpit (1930s model) which visitors can enter from inside the building.

"As an organization, we are very excited about our plans and future development," said Bob Briggs, President, North Atlantic Aviation Museum Inc. "We are extremely pleased that the Provincial Government has programs available to assist organizations such as ours identify new opportunities."

Through the evaluation process, creative approaches to modernizing the facility�s interior and exterior exhibits, collections and programming will be identified. Phases of development, identification of key partnerships, cost estimates and operational implications will also be addressed.

"This project marks an important step in capturing Gander�s aviation history and adding to the area�s tourism infrastructure," said the Honourable Kevin O�Brien, MHA, Gander. "It is good to see local organizations work with Provincial Government departments to identify initiatives that contribute to the economic growth of a community."

The project was funded through the Regional/Sectoral Diversification Fund (RSDF). Budget 2009 includes $8 million for new initiatives through the RSDF, which provides non-repayable contributions to economic development agencies for initiatives that address regional and sectoral development and diversification.

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Media contact:
Scott Barfoot
Director of Communications
Department of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development
709-729-4570, 690-6290
scottbarfoot@gov.nl.ca

2009 04 23                                                    10:40 a.m.

 


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