I urge you not to wait until the last moment, the public hearings, to
communicate with the Panel on the parallel runway project. Your involvement
as a community, organization, business or individual is needed now.

The EAR Panel is administering a $250,000.00 program for funding
participants in the review of the runway project. Applications for funding
research, which will compiement studies undertaken by Transport Canada and
provide a better understanaing of the project’s potential impacts, should be
returned to the Panel by 03 August 1990. Information on the participant
funding program is attached.

A number of organizations have indicated they will apply for funding. I
would urge you to look at your need for continuing effective air services
through YVR and perhaps apply for funding to document the specific impacts
on your community or business. Funding is also available to assist
participants’ travel to Vancouver for the public hearings. Your voice is
critical to the success of the environmental assessment and review of the
runway project.

A proponent network involving aviation, business, and tourism organizations
has been active in support of the runway project. It is urging the true
beneficiaries of an efficient aviation services to take an active, visible
role in the public review of the propcsal. This network includes the
British Columbia Aviation Council, Richmond Chamber of Commerce, B.C.
Business Council, AirBC, the Vancouver Board of Trade, The Air
Transportation Association of Canada, B.C. Chambers of Commerce, the
Canadian Air Line Pilots Association and Council of Regional Tourism
Associations.

The reasoned, non-confrontational role played by these and other
organizations during the EAR Panel’s scoping workshops on the EiS Guidelines
was invaluable, resulting in a balanced, up-to-date set of guidelines.
Similar measured, factual participation in the public review and eventual
hearings is vital to the success of the runway proposal. I urge you to
contact the Panel for a copy of the Guidelines, if you have not already done
So.

A public survey, undertaken by the Air Transportation Association of Canada,
indicated wide-spread public support of the proposed runway in the Greater
Vancouver area. It also noted areas of concern, many of which are being
addressed through active mitigation programs and detailed studies undertaken
as part of the final EIS.