Funding announced to begin environmental work for Phase III of Trans-Labrador Highway

The provincial government has approved a total of $1 million to prepare an environmental impact statement for Phase III of the Trans-Labrador Highway between Happy Valley-Goose Bay and Cartwright. The announcement was made today by Labrador and Aboriginal Affairs Minister Ernest McLean, in conjunction with Works, Services and Transportation Minister Percy Barrett and Cartwright-L�Anse au Clair MHA Yvonne Jones.

"Government recognizes that before construction of Phase III can begin, we have to fulfill the requirements of the Environmental Assessment Act," said Minister McLean. "While we have yet to determine when the actual environmental work will begin, I�m pleased to be able to commit $1 million to the process."

While there are major issues to be dealt with before a route has been selected for Phase III, the province is confident that by working in consultation with various interest groups the process can be brought to a successful conclusion.

"We have made a commitment to consult with the Innu Nation before any planning or work is done on Phase III, and we intend to follow through on that commitment," Mr. McLean said. "We will also be seeking the input from other stakeholders, including the Labrador Metis Nation, as we work through the process."

A bridge across the Churchill River and the proposed Mealy Mountains National Park are also among the issues to be addressed, noted Mr. Barrett.

"Government will make every effort to protect the pristine Labrador environment," Mr. Barrett said. "I believe this resolve is demonstrated with the environmental stewardship being exercised with the Red Bay to Cartwright project."

The province remains committed to securing the funding needed to complete Phase III, estimated to cost in the vicinity of $100 million. However, the province is unable to finance the project alone.

"The Government of Canada will have to play a key role in completing this important route," said Mr. McLean. "The original Labrador Transportation Initiative, signed in 1997, is an excellent example of federal-provincial co-operation. It marked an historic moment in the evolution of Labrador transportation services."

The completion of Phase III will create new social and economic opportunities for the entire region, particularly southern Labrador, said Ms. Jones.

"Today�s announcement is an important first step in getting this project moving," said Ms. Jones. "I look forward to the day when a road link is completed between the coastal communities and Happy Valley-Goose Bay. The opportunities will be enormous."

Signed in April 1997, the Labrador Transportation Initiative Agreement resulted in the transfer of the Labrador coastal marine service to the province from the federal government. As part of the agreement, the province received a $340 million cash settlement and all related infrastructure, including two vessels - the MV Sir Robert Bond and the Northern Ranger.

Media contacts: 
Bert Pomeroy, Labrador and Aboriginal Affairs, (709) 896-3099
Lynn Evans, Works, Services and Transportation, (709) 729-3015

2001 05 29                                                   2:40 p.m.