Deer Lake Regional Airport Opens Newly-Extended Runway

A newly-completed runway extension at the Deer Lake Regional Airport will enhance and improve safety and operating conditions, thanks to a partnership between the governments of Canada and Newfoundland and Labrador.


On hand to officially open the runway extension were the Honourable Senator Elizabeth Marshall, the Honourable Tom Marshall, Minister of Finance and President of Treasury Board for Newfoundland and Labrador, on behalf of the Honourable Tom Hedderson, Minister of Transportation and Works, and Todd Lee, Deer Lake Airport Authority Chairman.


Of the top 30 airports in Canada, Deer Lake Regional Airport was one of only four with a runway length of less than 6,000 feet. The runway extension from 6,000 to 8,000 feet will improve maximum takeoff weight on longer routes, improve safety in winter and summer months, improve operating conditions for aircraft, and develop new markets, routes and service opportunities.
"Safe and competitive airports are essential to ensuring Canada's place in the global landscape," said Senator Marshall. "Our Government is pleased to have worked with the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador and the Deer Lake Regional Airport to complete this important project. The construction of public infrastructure, such as the runway extension project, provides a safer environment for passengers and helps our businesses prosper now and into the future."
"The runway extension at Deer Lake Regional Airport is a significant addition to the infrastructure at this important facility, and is another step forward in the airport's development," said Minister Hedderson. "I am very pleased that our government has partnered with the Federal Government to contribute to this project, as part of our aggressive infrastructure investment initiative. This upgrade enhances capacity and safety at the airport, while supporting the airport authority's efforts to develop new business opportunities."
"I commend both levels of government and the airport authority for completing this important project," said Darryl Kelly, MHA for Humber Valley. "This investment will help to enhance the transportation system in the region and strengthen the local economy. This is great news for residents and businesses in the area.


"This project was made possible by the generous financial assistance of the Federal and Provincial Governments" said Mr. Lee. "This tri-party cost-sharing arrangement provided the necessary funds to complete the expansion project at a time when our infrastructure was struggling to keep pace with the growing demand."


On May 11, 2009, the governments of Canada and Newfoundland and Labrador each committed $3 million to support this expansion project. Federal funding was provided under the Infrastructure Stimulus Fund. The balance of funding for the $9-million project was provided by the Deer Lake Airport Authority.


As part of the Government of Canada's Economic Action Plan, the $4-billion Infrastructure Stimulus Fund is providing funding for close to 4,000 infrastructure projects across the country. Overall, the Government of Canada has invested $59 million toward 28 projects under the Infrastructure Stimulus Fund across Newfoundland and Labrador.

Canada and Newfoundland and Labrador are working together to create jobs and boost the economy, while making significant investments that help communities improve their infrastructure. Both governments have agreed to work together to ensure that these funds are delivered quickly and efficiently to municipalities in Newfoundland and Labrador.
For more information, please visit www.creatingjobs.gc.ca.
To learn more about Canada's Economic Action Plan, visit www.actionplan.gc.ca
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