Gaultois ramping and mooring systems to be upgraded

Gerry Byrne, Minister of State for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), and Kelvin Parsons, Minister of Industry, Trade and Rural Development, have announced $999,680 for additions and improvements to the marine ferry ramp facilities in Gaultois. The funds are being made available under the Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Comprehensive Economic Development Agreement.

"This project will greatly improve the facilities that support development in the community of Gaultois," said Minister Byrne. "The ferry provides an essential connection which must be adequate for both passenger use and the expanding requirements of local industry on a year-round basis."

The project will involve the reconfiguration of the existing wharf and storage area, construction of a new ramping system and the installation of a new mooring dolphin in the harbour bedrock. These improvements to the docking facilities will accommodate a new combination roll on/roll off freight service. In addition, the changes will facilitate an improved passenger ferry system.

"The regional economic development board in the area has made this project a strategic priority. The investment will allow the community to capitalize on specific business opportunities in the fish processing industry that it would not otherwise be able to capture," said Minister Parsons. "Stronger communities mean a stronger province. By investing in this project, we are not only investing in better marine transportation service, but also in the infrastructure of the community. And by doing that, we are helping to stimulate new employment and business opportunities in the area."

The provincial Department of Works, Services and Transportation will call for tenders on the project in the coming days. Work should start on the project this spring.

The Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Comprehensive Economic Development Agreement is a six-year, $94.99 million initiative designed to complement existing federal and provincial programs and agreements; it is administered federally by the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency and provincially by the Department of Industry, Trade and Rural Development.

Media contact:

Peter Graham, Communications, Office of Minister of State for ACOA, (613) 957-9959

Doug Burgess, Director of Public Affairs, ACOA, (709) 772-2935

Josephine Cheeseman, Communications, Industry Trade and Rural Development, (709) 729-4570

Lynn Evans, Communications, Works Services and Transportation, (709) 729-3015

2002 05 17                              2:05 p.m.