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The federal government announced a financial boost for the Greater Moncton Roméo LeBlanc International Airport (YQM) on Tuesday.
Transport Minister Omar Alghabra announced that under Transport Canada’s Airport Capital Assistance Program (ACAP), the Greater Moncton Roméo LeBlanc International Airport (YQM) will be receiving funding for the rehabilitation of its primary runway, taxiway signage, and a new aircraft rescue and fire fighting vehicle.
“We are very pleased to see the ACAP Initiative funding roll-out, and we look forward to working with the Government of Canada for the funding of just over $5-million towards these projects. It should be noted that YQM was not previously eligible to participate in the ACAP program and that this is only now possible through new pandemic relief efforts put in place by Transport Canada,” said YQM CEO Bernard LeBlanc, in a release.
The projects receiving funding are the rehabilitation of Runway 11-29 and taxiway hold signs for 50 percent of the total eligible expenditures to a maximum of $3,913,028. The objective of this project is to maintain safety levels at the airport by rehabilitating the runway.
The second initiative receiving funding is a new aircraft rescue and fire fighting Vehicle for 100 percent of the total eligible expenditures up to a maximum of $1,096,600. The objective of this project is to maintain safety levels at the Airport by providing funds for the purchase of the new vehicle to replace an existing one at end of its life.
In addition to the support announced Tuesday, Transport Minister Alghabra also clarified what previously announced funds could be available to airports such as YQM. The airport is to receive approximately $1.9-million from the Airport Relief Fund and in addition to 2022-2023 eligibility to apply for ACAP funding, is also able to apply for infrastructure funding under the Critical Infrastructure Program as well.
“This support will help our province’s busiest airport continue to keep operations safe as we provide vital connectivity and essential service for our communities and work towards a recovery of passenger activity and financial sustainability as travel restrictions are eased in line with public health guidance,” LeBlanc.
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