CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS UNDERWAY AT THE AIRPORT

A fresh new look for the Connections Bistro is just one of the capital improvement projects slated for this summer at the Saint John Airport. According to Dave Allen, Airport President and CEO, the restaurant layout will feature a new “grab and go” food selection area, more seating options, and a new “sports bar” feel for one section of the restaurant. An expanded menu will also be revealed in conjunction with a grand opening celebration later this summer.

A local company, ICR General Contractors, has been hired to complete the renovation.

The Airport is also planning to begin construction on an additional parking lot this summer, a need which has become particularly evident during recent winter charter seasons. “We are in our 4^th straight year of growth and even with the extreme winter conditions we experienced this year, our year-to-date passenger numbers are trending 6% over last year. In June alone, we saw a 12% month over month increase,” says Mr. Allen. The new lot is expected to accommodate an additional 100 vehicles.

Other upgrades planned for this year include safety and security projects such as a new electrical panel for the runway lights, security fencing upgrades, a new salt storage shed, and the purchase of new heavy equipment for winter runway maintenance.

“We’re very pleased to be able to keep our spending local for most of the work that we do,” says Mr. Allen. Although Airport activities directly employ 285 people, the most recent Economic Impact Study completed by the Airport revealed that an additional 300 jobs are created annually in the local area because of spin-offs from Airport activities and capital projects. The economic impact of the Airport on the local economy is estimated at $66 million annually.

Within the next five years a significant number of major upgrades will be required at the Airport, including resurfacing of runways and taxiways and other infrastructure projects.

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