Build it and it will fly! These types of projects are rare. Funny how the feds are so reluctant to build this type of infrastructure.

Probably because PG is so far from Ottawa. To get to PG they fly into Vancouver, that should be good enough for BC, right?

Its good enough for Ontario and Quebec ... and they have a choice of Calgary now, and maybe Edmonton in the future .... we'll be back to options of the 1970's/80's sooner than you think.

It's called progress for those who were not here to witness it.

In reality its **Pie in the Sky**

Note the total lack of anything specific in regard to who will use this facility, or who is going to **invest**

General terms like **Developers who are interested in this project** A high level of **Interest** mean nothing unless its backed up with some facts. **Wheres the Beef**.

One fact is that **Fed Ex** said two years ago that even if the Airport Runway was extended it would not **not** locate in Prince George. Thats pretty specific.

Another fact is that this business is being handled efficiently through the Anchorage Airport where there is already huge distribution warehouses and it is highly unlikly that any of the big players **DHL** **UPS** **FedEx** would relocate, as there would be no net benefit.

Another fact is that the Boeing 777 Worlds Largest, Most Capable, Freighter is scheduled to come on stream in the fourth quarter of 2008. This freighter can handle a payload of 229,000 pounds (103.9 metric tonnes) and will be able to fly 5619 Miles or (9,047 km) with a full payload and general cargo market densities, making it the worlds longest-range freight. The airplanes range capability will translate into significant savings for cargo operators; fewer stops and associated landing fees, less congeston at transfer hubs, lower cargeo handling costs and shorter cargo delivery times.

These planes are on order by the Chinese Airlines, Japan, and of course FedEx, UPS, and DHL.

In effect longer range means flying over Prince George non-stop.

The Airport Expansion will probably be built and be fully utilized by Crows, Foxes, Squirrels, Chipmunks, Kildere, Magpies, Geese, and the occasional Deer.

Palopu, you have been jumping on and naysaying this project every chance you can get, and I for one am beginning to wonder if there isn't some ulterior motive for your incessant negativity !!

Maybe you're worried they're going to build it in spite of your dire warnings, and it'll turn out to have been a good thing for the people of Prince George ??

Anyway, as I said before, while we dither and squeak about the cost of pavement, Kamloops is proceeding with the extension of its runway, and once that one gets done, Prince George can forget about getting more government funds for our own runway for a long, long time to come.

You'd only have to deflect your course a fraction of a degree, from anywhere on the East Coast, to fly to Kamloops instead of Prince George. We'll be right back to "bush league" status that we'll have well earned.

And no, palopu, I do not own a gravel truck, paving machine, grader, bulldozer, or any other type of machine that will be needed to get this extension finished. I will not be bidding on any contracts to do any of this work, nor do I own a business at the airport, or work for any airport employer. I simply think this is a good thing for all the people of Prince George, and for the well being and progress of the city itself !

palomoino

Palomino. My point is that even to this day, there has not been a bona fide business plan put forward for this venture.
The Provincial Government is still waiting to see it.

My reason for harping on this subject is because it is ill conceived.

The Airport is owned by the Federal Government and leased to the Airport Authority and the Airport Authority is asking the Federal Government to give them 11 Million to expand its own Airport.

The Provincial Government through the Northern Initiave Fund, is loaning the Airport Authority 11 Million dollars, and in addition they want the Province to give them an additional 11 Million.

Since when does a Provincial Government give Millions of dollars to expand an 'Airport Owned by the Federal Government.

This is the most screwed up, convoluted scheme that has come our way in years. It is based on **Best Guesses** **Hunches** **Wishful Thinking**

The problem is it will be all paid for by taxpayers, and by those people who fly on a regular basis who have to pay $15.00 everytime they get on an Airplane ex Prince George.

I dont fly so I dont pay, however I dont agree that those who do should. Especially when it is all smoke and mirrors.

If you want to understand what is happening here you will have to ask some questions, look into the finiancing, try and find some concrete plans for the next 20 years and maybe you will see that it is more about spending money, and Federal, Provincial, Municipal elections than it is about creating jobs.

Insofar as being negative goes, you got it all wrong. The fact of the matter is most people in this town are too lazy to look into anything that is going on, and only wish to beleive what they read in the Newspaper, a lot of which is only quotations from other people. When someone disagrees with there bright eyed vision of the future they call them negative.

Ive seen many projects like this come and go over the years, and Im sure I will see a lot more.

Unless you can give me something specific that is going to happen at this Airport in the next 5 years, backed up by facts, not hearsay, then all you are doing is blowing smoke.

Well, one thing specific for sure is if the fifteen bucks I've paid a few times I've flow in and out of this airport, got spent on this airport, for the considerable improvement I've enjoyed in this facility to date, then good on them !!
This airport is soooo much nicer to use already, and at least now I can show a little pride in what my friends and relatives see when they fly in to Prince George for a visit.

Hopefully, my next few fifteen buck contributions will go to getting some sort of weather protection for deplaneing passengers, so they don't have to run across the tarmack in the rain or through a snowstorm with the kids in summer jackets !!

Money far better spent than the millions blown on some paint splatters on canvas in the halls in Ottawa, or the billions blown making criminals out of the family members who haven't reported Uncle Henry for not registering his '22. ( but that's another story ).

I used to whine about the ten bucks I had to cough up in Vancouver too, but what a pleasure to walk through that airport today !! Well done in my opinion, and damn good value for me for my measly contribution. Who wouldn't be proud to receive quests from all over the world in that place!

palomino.

Palomino. Your measly contribution to the Vancouver Airport Authority since its inception has put over $500 Million in the pockets of the Federal Government. This is in addition to the Millions that have gone into improvements. This concept is a cash cow for the Feds.

I dont disagree with fixing up the Airport Terminal ect; however, it should be paid for by all taxpayers, not just those who fly, and the renovations should be legitimate. This is another level of taxation.

If you go to the new Terminal to-day you will see that it is empty and not used and all that is in it is a Hertz Rent-A-Car. On the Victoria Day Holiday at least 1/3 of the parking spaces were empty in the parking lot. Hardly a good utilization of new facilities.

I know what you will say. As the population grows these facilities will be used. Well for the last 10 years this hasnt happened and may not.


Have a nice day.

HEY PALOPU....
YOU SHOULD MOVE TO SPUZZUM , NOTHING EVER HAPPENS THERE SO YOU CAN LIVE IN PEACE AND WATCH THE TRAFFIC GO BY,ALL HEADING NORTH TO P.G. WHERE ALL THE ACTION IS.

Giterdun. I drove to Prince George from Cache Creek twice this year, and guess what. No traffic to speak of. There were more moose and deer on the road than there were cars. Traffic dies off after Cache Creek and basically peters out once you leave Quesnel.

Might increase a bit during Tourist Season then it will die again. Same thing applies to the Yellowhead between Prince George and Jasper. A desolate empty Highway if ever there was one.

Most traffic these days seems to be into and out of Prince George on Highway 16 West.

Not much action is this burg.

If there is a highway that badly needs four-laning in this province it is the stretch between Kelowna and Penticton. It is better now than it used to be, but there are still 2 lane sections.