Additional funding, in the amount of $25 million, has been granted to Fort MacMurray International Airport by the federal government for expansions and upgrades. This additional funding will open up opportunities for a larger number of cargo flights and international flights. The grant was revealed by Health Minister Rona Ambrose on Friday, and the revelation was made at the observation deck in the airport. A majority of the grant funds will be used to pay for a runway extension and an expansion of the main terminal at the airport. Other projects that will be covered by the grant funds include an emergency crosswind runway and the development or two new taxiways to handle general aviation needs.

David Yurdiga, the Fort McMurray-Athabasca MP, discussed the additional funding for Fort McMurray International Airport. Yurdiga said “Projects that result in gains for the Canadian economy are important building blocks of a strong community. The Fort McMurray International Airport is critical to shipping goods and transporting people. Our employees and employers and businesses rely on the airport, and it serves as a major gateway to the Athabasca region. Ensuring it has the capacity it needs today while making room for future growth is of the utmost importance.” Kyle Harrietha, a Fort McMurray-Cold Lake Liberal candidate, criticized the time it took to get the grant, saying in a press release “It’s unfortunate the Conservative Government bases its planning and investment decisions on the timing of an election. Decisions like this should be based on prudent planning and a thorough needs assessment. It’s clear this investment should have happened years ago, but better late than never.”