Island airports tap into fund

Three Vancouver Island airports are among 23 community and regional facilities that will share $24 million over three years to improve their infrastructure.

Under the B.C. Air Access program, Alberni Valley Regional Airport, Campbell River and Comox Valley airports will tap into the fund.

Port Alberni will get $729,215 for runway lighting. In Campbell River, there’s $903,750 for a fuelling facility. Comox Valley airport will get $35,000 for apron repairs.

This year, the government will dole out about $8 million to airports around the province.

“Providing funding support for smaller and regional airports through our B.C. Air Access Program supports the continued growth of local, regional and provincial economies by keeping people and cargo moving,” Transportation Minister Todd Stone said.

The program encourages funding partnerships with the private sector, federal government, and local and regional governments and agencies.

Last year, the program provided just over $6 million toward improvements at 10 regional airports throughout the province.