Business Environment Strengthened with Infrastructure Investment

Gander Airport Authority Receives $250,000 to Support Roadwork

To strengthen the Gander International Airport Authority’s ability to attract new business, the Provincial Government has provided $250,000 to support the rehabilitation of Garrett Drive, a vital thoroughfare on the authority’s property. The Honourable Kevin O’Brien, Minister of Advanced Education and Skills and MHA for Gander, representing the Honourable Charlene Johnson, Minister of Innovation, Business and Rural Development, made the announcement today at the Gander International Airport.

“This $250,000 investment will assist the Gander International Airport Authority in moving forward with their business expansion goals. I am confident the rehabilitation of Garrett Drive will prove beneficial in improving the authority’s infrastructure and their ability to attract new business to the airport’s industrial park and the surrounding community.”
- The Honourable Charlene Johnson, Minister of Innovation, Business and Rural Development

Funding will support paving and road restoration of Garrett Drive, a key thoroughfare on the Gander Airport Authority’s property that connects the airport with Gander’s new business park.

“With its celebrated aviation history and reputation as the Crossroads of the World, Gander International remains a strategic international location for servicing the aviation industry. As 2013 marks 75 years of operation at Gander International, we look forward to the positive growth in the business environment here in Gander.”
- The Honourable Kevin O’Brien, Minister of Advanced Education and Skills and MHA for Gander

The Gander International Airport Authority is responsible for running the Gander Airport and its assets, as well as managing Gander’s Business Park.

“This project is essential to the airport authority’s development of a 150-acre business park to meet growing demand in the region. We are delighted government recognizes the importance airports play in our economy as strategic enabling infrastructure. Investments in transportation such as this one are repaid many times over.”
- Gary Vey, President and CEO of the Gander International Airport Authority

Through sound fiscal management and responsible decisions, the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is strengthening the business environment, encouraging the development of innovative industries and building a vibrant economy.

QUICK FACTS

• Gander International Airport Authority will receive $250,000 to support the rehabilitation of Garrett Drive, a key thoroughfare on the authority’s property and a strategic piece of infrastructure in the authority’s ability to attract new business.
• The Gander International Airport Authority is a non-profit organization created in 1996 to manage operations at the Gander International Airport (CYQX). The Airport Authority plays a key role in the economic and community development of the Town of Gander and the central Newfoundland region.
• Gander International Airport supports 1,200 jobs, $70 million in wages and $312 million in economic impact.
• Garrett Drive connects the airport with business services on both sides of the runway.

- 30 -

Media contacts:

2013 12 06                                     9:45 a.m.