Mayor Don Darling sending a letter to the federal government in support of upgrades at the Saint John Airport.
The airport has applied for funding to refurbish their aging runways and install high-intensity LED lighting along them, among other things.
“The economic impact of this project will add $26 million in economic output, $12.5 million to GDP and $9 million to labour income, leading to direct inducted 187 full-time equivalent jobs for the city of Saint John,” says Darling.
Darling says the airport has not received any federal, provincial or municipal funding since it was privatized in 1999, and it was understood then by Transport Canada that Small NAS airports, including Saint John, would eventually need federal help.
“The board of directors and management of the Saint John Airport Authority have done an excellent job in creating a vibrant gateway for economic development and tourism and positioning themselves for dramatic future growth,” he says.
Darling wants Transport Minister Marc Garneau to consider the application in time for the 2018 construction season.
