April 11, 2014
Sound Fiscal Management Maximizes Infrastructure Investment
New Headquarters and Hangar Announced for Water Bomber Fleet
A new hangar that will serve as the new, permanent headquarters for the province’s fleet of modern water bombers at the Gander International Airport was announced today in Gander by the Honourable Nick McGrath, Minister of Transportation and Works. Design and planning for the new facility will begin this summer and construction is expected to be completed in 2016.
“Our government continues to deliver on a commitment to maximize our forest fire capacity in Newfoundland and Labrador, as well as advancing infrastructure that strengthens communities and regions. This strategic investment in a new hangar will support our modern fleet of water bombers in Gander and provide economic benefits for the area well into the future.”
- The Honourable Nick McGrath, Minister of Transportation and Works
The new facility will be more than 8,000 square metres and will accommodate the full fleet of fire suppression aircraft. It will also provide space for support services for air services employees. The hangar will be constructed using a design-build method whereby a consortium is contracted to both design and build the facility.
“This latest investment in the province’s water bomber fleet is an important part of protecting provincial resources during the forest fire season. This new hangar will have the capacity to house the entire aircraft fire suppression fleet and provide space for staff.”
- The Honourable Kevin O’Brien, Minister of Advanced Education and Skills and MHA for Gander
Budget 2014: Shared Prosperity, Fair Society, Balanced Outlook includes $852.7 million for infrastructure projects in the province. Investments are designed to advance development of transportation-related infrastructure, as well as health, education, tourism, and municipal infrastructure.
QUICK FACTS
- Design and planning for a new headquarters to house the province’s fleet of water bombers will begin this summer and construction is expected to be completed in 2016.
- The facility will be 8,000 square metres and located at Gander International Airport.
- With the recent purchase of two new Bombardier 415 water bombers, the full provincial fleet in 2015 will consist of five Bombardier 415s and one Cessna spotter.
- The current fleet is housed in a leased hangar facility in Gander.
- Gander is the permanent base of air operations and air craft is strategically located throughout the province during forest fire fighting season.
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Media contacts:| Scott Barfoot Director of Communications Department of Transportation and Works 709-729-3015; 690-6290 scottbarfoot@gov.nl.ca | Debbie Kieley Constituency Assistant to the Honourable Kevin O’Brien MHA for Gander 709-256-3729 debbiekieley@gov.nl.ca |
2014 04 11 11:05 a.m.