New money for YQR is a good start but more needs to be done, says local MP

Regina-Wascana Member of Parliament Michael Kram has call this week’s federal funding announcement for the YQR International Airport “a drop in the bucket.”

The feds announced 65 million dollars in funding for airports in November, but earlier this week, earmarked two-point-six million dollars for the Regina airport.

Kram says the airport is operating at just over one million dollars per month.

“This announcement will keep the airport afloat for two months and a little bit,” said Kram. “It’s good that we’re keeping the airport afloat for an extra couple of months, but what we really need is a plan to reopen domestic air travel.”

There’s still no word on federal funding for the airport’s planned resurfacing project that would see the main runway repaved, along with lighting and drainage repairs. Total cost of the project is in the 30 million dollar range.

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