Nanaimo Airport gets federal boost to expand terminal

Nanaimo Airport is receiving $7.46 million in government funding to carry out the first phase of its terminal building expansion project.

The money is part of $87 million going to 26 infrastructure projects in 26 B.C. communities. Federal, provincial and municipal government are contributing.

The priciest project on the list is the Duncan-North Cowichan Joint Utilities Board wastewater outfall relocation project, budgeted at $27.7 million.

The departure lounge and passenger-security areas will be extended at Nanaimo Airport, which predicts its ongoing growth will result in 450,000 passengers per year by 2020.

Other Vancouver Island projects receiving funds include a $3.6-million upgrading of Point Ellice Bridge in Victoria.

Campbell River’s South Island highway improvement project is receiving $9.6 million.

The Comox Strathcona wastemanagement regional organics composting facility will cost $8.3 million. And the rehabilitation of the Fifth Street bridge in Courtenay is set at $2.9 million.