August 20, 1999
(Forest Resources and Agrifoods)

Grand Lake Resource Road maintenance and upgrade project approved

Kevin Aylward, Minister of Forest Resources and Agrifoods, and Ernie McLean, MHA - Lake Melville, are pleased to announce a $58,775 contract awarded in the district. Resource road maintenance and upgrading and bridge repair will be carried out by Glenn Corporation Ltd. of Happy Valley-Goose Bay. The work will begin on or about August 30, employing eight people for eight weeks. The project has two components and will be carried out on Grand Lake Road and Goose River Road. These roads are part of the Grand Lake Resource Road system near Happy Valley-Goose Bay.

Mr. Aylward said: "The main objective of this road improvement is to provide continued, safe and reliable access to forests in the Upper Lake Melville area. My department builds onto, reconstructs and upgrades the province's resource road system each year. We do this not only to ensure commercial access, but to allow public access for domestic woodcutting and recreation.

"This type of project involves many different kinds of work, including blasting. As with all road projects, we carefully monitor and supervise all operations through project engineers and inspectors. Our concern is the quality of construction and the safety of the workers. We also have a mandate to protect the environment and ensure that any work is done in accordance with our ecosystem management guidelines."

The first part of the project covers resurfacing 3.5 kilometres of the Grand Lake Road to type "B" standard at various locations, plus reconstruction of several sections of the existing road. Part two encompasses removal of an existing culvert on the Goose River Road and placement of a new corrugated metal pipe. Along with the road work, the contractor shall repair the existing 36 foot, wooden span Cape Caribou River Bridge, replacing the decking.

Mr. McLean added: "I am pleased to join the minister in announcing this project. These roads are important for maintaining access to forested areas for timber harvesting and silviculture treatments, like planting and thinning. The benefits to local businesses, contractors and the supply and support industries, are also greatly appreciated. This is especially true in rural Newfoundland and Labrador, where seasonal employment is an essential component of the economy."

Media contact: Cynthia Layden-Barron, Communications, (709) 729-6183.

1999 08 20         10:00 a.m.