$2 million announced for forest resource roads in Roddickton area

Brian Tobin, Premier and MHA - The Straits-White Bay North, and George Baker, Minister of Veteran Affairs and Secretary of State for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), announced today that $990,000 has been approved for the construction and upgrading of 71 kilometres of forest resource roads in the Roddickton area on the Northern Peninsula. The funding has been made available to the Nordic Economic Development Corporation through the Economic Development Component of the Fisheries Adjustment and Restructuring Initiative.

In addition, Premier Tobin also announced today that the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador will be investing another $1 million into forest resource road construction throughout The Straits-White Bay North district as well.

"This investment into the forest industry on the Northern Peninsula will preserve existing jobs and businesses while encouraging future growth and development in the region," said Mr. Tobin. "The Nordic Economic Development Corporation in cooperation with communities in the area have identified forestry as a sustainable industry that provides promising economic and job creation potential. Accordingly, government feels providing funding for this industry at this time is a wise investment."

The construction and upgrading of forest access roads in this area supports the industry�s strategic economic plan for the region.

The three-year $81.25 million Canada-Newfoundland Agreement for the Economic Development

Component of the Canadian Fisheries Adjustment and Restructuring Initiative (EDC) was signed on August 16, 1999. The agreement is designed to build upon the strategic plans and priorities of the regional economic development boards to improve the long-term economic climate in regions impacted by the downturn of the groundfish industry.

Media contact: Heidi Bonnell, Office of the Premier, (709) 729-3960.

2000 07 24           4:40 p.m.