POWELL RIVER – NDP MLA Nicholas Simons says funding for local airports will help them stay open so people can travel for essential purposes and access the services they need.

This support will ensure these companies are able to weather the challenges due to decreased ridership brought on by the COVID-19 and help them plan for a post-pandemic world.

“People in Powell River and on Texada know how important local airports are for transportation and emergency services,” said MLA Simons. “Community airports have faced all kinds of challenges over the past year. With this funding, we’re helping them be ready for whatever comes next once we’re all safely through the pandemic.”

The New Democrat government issued a one-time investment of $6.2 million to various inter-city bus operators and $16.5 million for regional airports to support operations between April 1, 2021 and March 31, 2022.  Inter-city bus operators and regional airports will use the funds to pay for operating costs, like maintenance expenses for buses, air terminals and runways.  As well as for payroll, rent and other overhead costs that keep these services operating.

Airports have experienced a significant decrease in operating revenues that, without financial help, could affect their ability to support and sustain fire suppression and essential medical evacuation services. This grant will provide regional airports the necessary funds to maintain air terminals, runways and other operations for the essential movement of goods and people.

In Powell River-Sunshine Coast, the Powell River Airport is receiving $360,000 and the Texada Island Airport is receiving $90,000

This announcement is part of BC’s $10 billion COVID response, which includes the StrongerBC for Everyone recovery plan — a plan that protects people’s health and livelihoods while supporting businesses and communities.

Learn More: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2021TRAN0023-000577