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Feds give $660K for expansion at Sault Airport

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The federal government is spending money on the Sault Airport's largest tenant, aiming to expand operations.

A funding announcement Wednesday will see $660,000 from FedNor help fund a new build at JD Aero.

Though the land doesn't look like much right now, it will become a space to store unused items that currently line the outer edges of JD Aero's two hangars.

"Our technicians, lead hands, and our crew can have access to that equipment, and parts, and storage close to the hangar,” said JD Aero’s Julian Chin.

“It declutters the hangar and (makes) a lot more space available."

Once the expansion is complete, the company said it can bring in more planes at once and different types of aircraft.

That will lead to more work and the hiring of new staff. It’s also going to help the airport financially.

"The more they can attract the better it is for the airport,” said Terry Bos of the Sault Ste. Marie Airport.

“So they bring in larger aircraft, and, of course, larger aircraft create for an airport larger landing fees, and that's what we really survive on -- landing fees, leases and the carpark."

Sault MP Terry Sheehan said the expansion will help the airport get noticed.

"You have an easier opportunity attracting airlines, airline carriers, because they know there's facilities here that can accommodate their ever growing businesses,” Bos said.

"We always strive to be the best regional airport in the country and having them here obviously helps us meet that and be the best that we can be."

The total project cost is more than $2 million, with the airport also contributing. Construction of the new building is set to begin in the coming weeks, with a completion date of next March.

The work is expected to create 15 construction jobs. 

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