News Release: Peace River Regional Airport Receives 2017 ACAP Funding
May 26, 2017
Once again, the Town of Peace River has learned we are the recipient of funds from the Government of Canada’s Airport Capital Assistance Program (ACAP).
Funding will be put towards two important safety related projects they include; $240,382 for the installation of a wildlife fence and $98,215 for a material spreader.
“We are very, very appreciative of this federal funding,” said Mayor Tom Tarpey. “It is this ACAP funding that enables us to run a safe and very reliable airport here in Peace River.”
The material spreader is used to spread both dry and wet de-icing material onto the runway, allowing us to utilize the runway in some of the worst conditions Alberta has to offer. The Wildlife fence will help address another operational issue, namely wildlife intrusions onto the runways.
“Analysis of safety data from the last five years shows that wildlife incursions on the runway, including deer and moose, is the most significant safety concern facing the airport today,” said Airport Manager William Stewart. “This fence should reduce these incursions to nothing. and ensure the safety of airport users in the future
In the past, this money has made it possible to maintain capital investments at the Peace River Regional Airport, as well as major upgrades such as; refurbishing two taxiways and the main apron, major terminal upgrades, new LED runway lights, new plow truck and sweeper, new self-propelled snowblade, and much more. among others. Like many regional airports across Canada, Peace River relies heavily on ACAP funding to ensure the safety and well-being of the traveling public.
Background
The Airports Capital Assistance Program (ACAP) has been funding improvement projects for regional airports since 1995. To date, the Government has invested more than $736 million for 848 projects at 176 airports.
Eligible airports that are not owned by the federal government and offer year-round, regularly scheduled passenger flights. Today, approximately 200 regional and local airports are eligible for ACAP funding, including Peace River Regional Airport.