Rickford announces $1m for Sudbury airport.

• Author: Macdonald, Darren
• Position: CONSTRUCTION

FedNor funding of $2 million was announced for a number of Sudbury projects on March 20, with half of that funding being used to help construct a new, $7-million hangar at the Sudbury Airport.

Speaking at a news conference at the airport, Greg Rickford, minister for FedNor and natural resources, said he was pleased his government was able to support economic development in the region, and said FedNor has invested more than $61 million in Sudbury for hundreds of projects since 2006.

"This is an exciting day for Sudbury," he said. The $1 million will help the airport "build a 32,000-square-foot hangar needed to ensure the growth of existing businesses and to attract a diverse range of new businesses, including aircraft speciality operators, air cargo and engineering companies."

He also announced $427,945 for local manufacturers to provide training in lean management system training.

"It will help manufacturers to better identify and develop and deliver and maintain successful, lean management processes leading to improved productivity and long-term competitive business practices," he said.

Vince Pollesel, the airport's chair of finance, said they are "extremely" proud of the success the airport has enjoyed over the last 10 years. The hangar, he said, is a key part of the future.

"With a solid foundation in place, we set out to attract new business to our airport," Pollesel said. "The new hangar will accommodate the business needs of our two major airport tenants."

The aviation company Discovery Air Services "will utilize the building to expand their services in the...