Government takes action to provide alternate ferry services Lloyd Matthews, Minister of Works, Services and Transportation, today announced measures to deal with the disruption to ferry operations in St. Barbe caused by an unfortunate fire last Saturday night (July 19).

Government will call a tender tomorrow (Wednesday, July 23) for the reconstruction of the St. Barbe wharf and work will begin as soon as possible. Reconstruction, to be completed by mid-August 1997, is estimated to cost between $300,000 to $500,000.

Mr. Matthews said: "And, tomorrow as well, we start construction of a temporary, emergency ramp on the west side of the existing wharf at St. Barbe. Completion is expected by the weekend subject to availability of materials. Until this temporary ramp is complete, government will use Port Saunders as an alternate port for the ferry operations.

"Government understands fully the implications this incident has for the tourism industry and the business community. I know that every person I have spoken to on this matter is intent on bringing about these alternate measures as soon as possible - as early as this weekend - and I look forward to the reconstruction of the St. Barbe wharf by mid- August."

Contact: Rick Callahan, (709) 729-4860.