DND announces support for Waterville Airport relocation to Greenwood

Canada's Department of National Defence has announced itssupport forthe relocation of the Waterville Airport to 14 Wing Greenwood.

Defence Minister Jason Kenney and West Nova MP Greg Kerrwere at CFB Greenwood today to support the proposal.

The WatervilleAirportis currently located in Kings County.

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"This would be a positive move forward for job creation in the region, for military air traffic controllers' training, and for an even stronger relationship between the military and civilian communities in the Annapolis Valley," said Kenney in a statement.

Following a feasibility study, DND said the relocation would not interfere with 14 Wing's air operations.

In addition, DND says the relocation would allow Michelin Tire Company to take over the airport's former property, and create up to400 new jobs.

In 1976, the Municipality of Kings County bought the airport and its property from private owners.

In September 2014, Michelin Tire Company announced it would buy a portion of the airport's land for$1.8million, and said the purchase would give the tiremanufacturer flexibility should it decide to expand its plant.

But, Michelin President GrantFerguson has said there's no new hiring plan in place.

"Every politician, community leader would like me to say that, yes, we have a project that we can bid on," Ferguson said.

"We are constantly evaluating for the three facilities in Nova Scotia, and all our facilities. We're constantly evaluating investment opportunities.You know we're happy with Nova Scotia. We've had great success here.TheWatervilleplant is a wonderful truck tire facility;it's one of our largest in the group."

Currently,1200 people work at the tire plant in Waterville.

"When we need to expand a truck tire plant,Watervillewill certainly be in the running and this property helps us stay in the running."