Close to a million dollars has landed at the Vernon airport thanks to the B.C. government.

The latest of a flurry of funding announcements from the ruling BC Liberal Party has the airport receiving $823,700 in funding from the B.C. Air Access Program this year for runway rehabilitation.

Vernon-Monshee MLA Eric Foster made the announcement Wednesday morning.

Ian Adkins, aiport supervisor for the city of Vernon, said that is good news for the future of the facility.

Adkins said the money will extend the life of the runway for another 25 years.

“This is one of the areas that was identified as needing to be done right away,” said Adkins. “The runway has reached the end of its lifespan and we need to ensure it's there for future users. This will guarantee that the runway is available.”

Mayor Akbal Mund said the upgrades will make the airport safe.

Mund said Kal Air uses the airport several times a day “so it's important for our business sector to bring clients in and out.

“Also there are other planes that land here. Kelowna International Airport has been growing and there will be other, smaller airplanes that will re-locate here for their own safety because as Kelowna expands I'm sure they will not have the room to support the smaller aircraft.”