Upgrades will help generate economic sustainability for Fort Nelson airport
Fort Nelson, B.C. – Northern Development Initiative Trust’s board of directors in July approved a $250,000 grant to support the implementation of a modernized parking plan at the Northern Rockies Regional Airport (NRRA). As a result of unprecedented growth in flight and passenger movements through the airport during the past three years, the parking lot at the NRRA currently operates at capacity but does not generate revenue for the airport.
The funding will be used to support the introduction of pay parking facilities in the NRRA’s main parking lot, expansion of existing infrastructure to allow for better bus access and the development of rental car parking, secure company parking and leased staff parking.
The funding was approved under the Trust’s Economic Diversification Infrastructure program, which provides funding to municipalities, regional districts, First Nations and non-profit organizations in Northern Development’s service area for projects that significantly strengthen the local economy via a major capital investment. Past Economic Diversification Infrastructure funding projects have included a fuel station for Barkerville and Wells, the Terrace Sportsplex and Conference Facility and the Prince George Airport’s runway expansion.
In addition to the grant, the Northern Rockies Regional Municipality (Fort Nelson) was recently approved for a $35,000 grant from Northern Development to support local economic development capacity building, and a further $7,500 grant to employ a local summer student as a dedicated grant writer for the regional municipality. These grants allow the Northern Rockies Regional Municipality to plan for and conduct much needed community projects without relying on increases to local taxes.
Quotes:
“The Northern Rockies Regional Airport has become one of the north’s busiest airports in recent years thanks to unprecedented economic growth in the area. This grant will support much-needed infrastructure that will help a key asset in the region become more economically sustainable,” said Evan Saugstad, Chair, Northern Development Initiative Trust. “Northern Development is proud to partner with the Northern Rockies Regional Municipality to support this important project.”
“Northern Development Initiative Trust is a true partner in our community,” said Northern Rockies Regional Municipality Mayor and Northern Development director Bill Streeper. “They live up here in the north with us and they work with us every day to help address our unique challenges and opportunities.”
“We are very delighted that Northern Development has recognized the impact of a new parking system on long-term revenue potential of the NRRA. This new parking lot design will provide more space, easier maneuvering and ultimately safer ground operation,” said NRRA Business Manager Eric Desnoyers.
Media Contact:
Joel McKay
Director, Communications
Northern Development Initiative Trust
Tel: 250.561.2525
Cell: 778.349.4027
joel@northerndevelopment.bc.ca
About Northern Development
Northern Development Initiative Trust is an independent regional economic development corporation focused on stimulating economic growth and job creation in central and northern British Columbia.
To date, $115 million in funding has been committed to 1,238 projects in communities throughout central and northern British Columbia.
- 5,856 jobs have been created.
- 2,108 partnerships with 712 organizations have attracted over $1.1 billion in new investment to the region.
- 73% of investments are in small communities with populations less than 5,000.
- Community grant writers have been approved for $77.2 million in funding since 2010.
For information on Northern Development and the community economic development projects being led in communities throughout northern B.C., visit: http://www.northerndevelopment.bc.ca
