Airport funding announced for Neskantaga and Webequie

Webequie and Neskantaga are set to receive about $3.2 million for airport upgrades.
“I’m pleased to announce funding for the Lansdowne House (Neskantaga) and Webequie airports that will allow them to make important safety and infrastructure upgrades, and sustain service to passengers throughout the community,” said Kenora MP Greg Rickford, on behalf of Canada’s Transport Minister John Baird.
Webequie will receive $1,914,000 during 2010/2011 under the Airport Capital Assistance Program, while Neskantaga will receive $1,298,000.
Neskantaga Chief Roy Moonias was pleased with the funding, which will enable the two communities to maintain the certification standards of their airport runway surfaces with a supply of crushed gravel.
“We appreciate what has been done for our community and look forward to working with Greg (Rickford) in the future,” Moonias said.
The federal government will be investing more than $42 million in safety-related improvements at airports across Canada during 2010/2011.
“Having spent time nursing in several remote First Nations within the Kenora riding, I personally understand the importance of this,” Rickford said. “Smaller airports are vital to many communities across the country, but especially to those in remote northern areas.”