The federal government announced a $2.3 million investment Tuesday to fix up the main runway at the Prince George Airport.
Terry Beech, the parliamentary secretary to the Minister of Transportation, said the work will have significant economic benefits since the airport is located in a corridor linking North America to Asia.
"Transportation systems are a vital part of Prince George's economy and the investment announced here today will foster long-term prosperity for the city," Beech said. "These improvements to the Prince George Airport will increase transportation options for the community while helping businesses get more products to market."
Announced in February, Prince George was the first city in B.C. to receive the Foreign Trade Zone Designation in Canada and the improvements made to the runway and two aprons will improve the way Prince George does business with the rest of the world.
The project itself will create about 40 jobs during construction and allows Prince George to maximize airport capacity when repairs are complete.
John Gibson, president and chief executive officer for the Prince George Airport Authority, showed his support of the funding for the runway rehabilitation with a boisterous cheer.
"The project will be tendered in January and completed by October 2019," Gibson said.
The funds come from a $2 billion National Trade Corridors Fund provided by the Government of Canada.
