June 22, 2006

Across Manitoba, 33 municipal airports will share $76,200 to assist in maintaining safe operations and supporting local facilities, Transportation and Government Services Minister Ron Lemieux announced today.

"Local airports play a significant role in the economy of the community and are an indispensable part of Manitoba’s vast provincial transportation infrastructure," said Lemieux. "As with any other infrastructure, investment is required for maintenance and safety."

The annual Manitoba Airports Assistance Program provides operating grants of $2,400 for airports with paved runways and $1,200 for facilities with unpaved runways. To be eligible, airports must be open to the public and meet federal aviation standards.

Airports qualifying for the $2,400 grant are Altona, Deloraine, Erickson, Gladstone, Killarney, Lac du Bonnet, Morden, Neepawa, Roblin, Russell, Shoal Lake, Souris Glenwood Industrial Air Park, Steinbach, Piney/Pine Creek Border, Virden and Winkler.

Airports receiving a $1,200 grant are Arborg, Ashern, Carman (South), Crystal City/Pilot Mound, Gilbert Plains, Glenboro, Hartney, Lundar, Manitou, Reston/RM of Pipestone, Riverton, Strathclair, Somerset, Treherne (South Norfolk Airpark) and Warren/Woodlands. Under the program, Swan River will receive $4,800 as a regional airport and Leaf Rapids will receive $15,000 due to its remote location. Other factors such as higher operating costs and ineligibility for federal or other provincial operating funds also contribute to the funding level for the Leaf Rapids facility.

Manitoba’s municipal airports provide a wide range of aviation services including recreational flying, aerial seeding, crop spraying and emergency access in case of accidents.

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