January 9, 1998
(Development and Rural Renewal)

Phase one of snowmobile trail initiative begins today

Beaton Tulk, Minister of Development and Rural Renewal, today informed the snowmobile industry in Grand Falls-Windsor that work will begin immediately on Phase One of the Master Plan for the Provincial Snowmobile Trail Initiative. Six groomers are in the process of being acquired, and plans are being finalized for required signage for the identified snowmobile trails.

Minister Tulk said that the Provincial Snowmobile Trail Initiative is the start of a new industry in this province. "We work very hard to foster new business opportunities in Newfoundland and Labrador," said the minister. "This initiative will strengthen our tourism industry throughout the winter months, diversify the economy in rural areas in particular, and provide new job opportunities for our people."

For the past several months, representatives from the Newfoundland and Labrador Federation of Snowmobile Clubs and its member associations, five Regional Economic Development Boards, and the appropriate federal and provincial departments have been developing a comprehensive master plan for the development and maintenance of groomed snowmobile trails. The master plan, completed in early December 1997, details a $5.8 million development over three years, and is currently before the federal government for final approval through federal/provincial funding programs.

On January 5, 1998, Premier Tobin announced at Marble Mountain that the provincial government would immediately provide interim financing of approximately $1 million for Phase One of the Master plan.

Today in Grand Falls-Windsor, Mr. Tulk said: "I am pleased to inform the snowmobile federation and its member associations, zonal boards and the many volunteers that we are proceeding today with Phase One, consisting of trail development, trail signage, and the process of purchasing six groomers."

The minister emphasized that the government has moved quickly on this project to ensure the planned development for the 1998 winter season is achieved. "Our commitment is a real one and the project will proceed immediately. We are taking advantage of a new economic opportunity that will immediately result in significant employment where it is most needed, in rural areas of the province," said the minister.

"We are confident that the federal government review of the overall three-year master plan will be positive, and an announcement outlining the details of the total project can be made in the near future," said Minister Tulk. The minister also said he is pleased with the stated support from Newfoundland MPs, Gerry Byrne and George Baker, for the overall initiative.

Contact: Karen McCarthy, (709) 729-0110