to protect the foreshore along Airport runways, and a further $300,000 to convert an existing structure for a Customs/Courier clearance shed.

Mr. Furbert announced the plans during budget debate on Ministry of Transportation expenditures in the House of Assembly on Friday.

He told the House the runway foreshore protection would take about two years and involve placing large boulders along the shoreline.

"There's nothing serious at the moment, but if we don't address it now there will be,'' he later told The Royal Gazette .

There are signs of minor erosion to the landbase just east of the dump on Castle Harbour. Storm damage and natural wave action have taken their toll, he said: "You have to remember this land was filled in to begin with.'' Meanwhile work is expected to be complete by mid-summer on a new $300,000 courier clearance shed, to be housed in an existing structure just east of the present freight shed.

Airport upgrades announced The announcement follows job action by Customs officers earlier this month, who effectively closed down the present facility to protest poor working conditions.

"We've been planning this for a while,'' Mr. Furbert said, denying it was related to the recent job action.

The news was well received by Customs officers, who are now looking forward to a modern facility.

"This has been promised for quite a while,'' Assistant Collector of Customs at the Airport, Mrs. Brenda Raynor told The Royal Gazette .

"We're getting better lighting, better air, better everything. It's good news,'' she said.

Mr. Furbert also announced in the House he plans to "actively promote'' Bermuda's aircraft and crew registry, hoping to attract more aviation mortgage and leaseholders to the Island.

At present 114 aircraft are registered with the Island's Civil Aviation authority, including a Boeing 747 jumbo jet and two Uzbekistan Airways 767s, registered in October 1996.

And two more passenger jets, Airbus A-310s -- were also set to join the stable, he said.

Meanwhile Bermuda's familiar call designation, "VR'', will be changed to "VP'' the Minister announced.