News - Stephenville International Airport

More than 500 people filed into Stephenville International Airport last Friday evening to show their support for the facility.

The rally was hosted by the airport citizens' committee, who hoped to demonstrate to various levels of government how important the airport is for the people of the area.

"Over the years, Stephenville and area has contributed millions and millions of dollars to both the provincial and federal treasuries - we have paid our share and now need the support from those two levels of government," said Joseph Hearn, committee member. "We cannot and we will not see our airport shut down."

Mr. Hearn noted the airport contributes $35 million to the local economy and more than 50 jobs in the area - and called on the area's two MHAs, Joan Burke and Tony Cornect, to help provide support for the airport.

Both MHAs spoke at the rally - as did provincial Liberal leader Kelvin Parsons, MP Judy Foote, Stephenville Mayor Tom O'Brien, and airport corporation chair Shawn Tilley.

Minister Burke stressed the airport board needs to complete a business plan before accessing financial support from the provincial and federal governments.

"We understand that the business plan is being worked on and is going to be submitted [to the province], and at that time they can apply for [federal] funding," she said of the airport corporation.

"When they apply for the funding, I can guarantee you that as the MHA for St. George's-Stephenville East, I will do my best to work to ensure that we can get the funding to put into the infrastructure at this airport."

She added the provincial government's guarantee of a line of credit has helped the airport continue operations over the past few years.

Mr. Cornect also spoke on his lobbying for the airport at the provincial level, as did MP Judy Foote with the federal government.

Mr. O'Brien said the town has invested $2.3 million into the airport, in addition to providing in-kind services and not collecting millions of dollars in taxes owed to the town. He said the town was also providing funding to conduct the airport's business plan.

Mr. Tilley told the audience there were no quick fixes to the airport's complex problems, but said all levels of government need to work together to help the airport survive.

Several area citizens also spoke at the rally, including Melvin Russell.

Mr. Russell spoke of his and other people's confusion at what's happening at the airport.

"I've attended every public meeting in this building and out of this building about the airport - and I find that I still don't know any more than when I was here the first time," he said.

Mr. Russell added the airport was a safe facility and regardless of money spent at other airports, they wouldn't be as good as the Stephenville airport.
Mr. Hearn said the public's continued support was important and that the citizens' committee tries to keep the public informed of what's happening with the airport.