August 14, 1997
(Works, Services and Transportation)
SGE Group Inc. awarded contract to study
operational requirements for the Labrador coastal marine service
Lloyd Matthews, Minister of Works, Services and
Transportation, announced today that SGE Group Inc. has been
awarded the contract to study the operational requirements for
the Labrador coastal marine service. The contract is valued at
$149,600.
SGE will conduct technical analyses of traffic
demands, determine potential shifts in the road and air carriers,
consult with residents of coastal Labrador and gateway
communities on the island and Happy Valley-Goose Bay to determine
the future operational needs of a coastal marine service.
"The consultation process in the coastal
communities will give all affected groups the opportunity to
provide input concerning the future transportation needs of
Labrador," said Mr. Matthews. "Feedback from residents
of Happy Valley-Goose Bay, St. Anthony and Lewisporte will also
be considered as the province adjusts the marine service in
response to use of the highway which will be built between Red
Bay and Cartwright."
In addition, Doane Raymond will conduct an
organization and management study of the Marine Services Division
of the Department of Works, Services and Transportation to
determine the organizational structure which can best deliver a
safe, efficient and affordable marine service for the entire
province.
SGE is a new employee-owned company formed from
the amalgamation of Newfoundland and Labrador based Sheppard
Green Engineering & Associates and the Maritime based UMA
Group. Assisting SGE in performing the study are Dave Curran
Associates and Doane Raymond of St. John's, Geoplan Consultants
and FGA Consultants of Fredericton, and R. S. Wallace &
Associates of Ottawa.
In April 1997, the Government of Newfoundland and
Labrador concluded an agreement with the federal government in
which the province accepted responsibility for operation of the
marine services to coastal Labrador in exchange for a cash
payment from the federal government toward future operational
costs. The province will upgrade the highway between Churchill
Falls and Happy Valley-Goose Bay and construct a new highway from
Red Bay to Cartwright which should significantly reduce the
demands on the marine service.
Contact: Tom Beckett, Director, Policy and
Planning, (709) 729-5344.
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