NLIS 63
March 21, 2002
(Works, Services and Transportation)


Government plans marine service improvements

Works, Services and Transportation Minister Percy Barrett today announced major upgrades to the province�s marine infrastructure and a redesigned plan for Labrador ferries, both of which will greatly improve marine services for the people of Newfoundland and Labrador.

Government will make significant upgrades to Labrador�s marine infrastructure. It will re-configure marine services along coastal Labrador, beginning in 2003-2004, to complement community access to the Trans Labrador Highway. The department intends to issue a call for tenders for a three-vessel marine services contract in the next several weeks. The decision was based upon input obtained from consultations held in communities along coastal Labrador, a process which is encouraged through the province�s Strategic Social Plan.

"The newly re-configured marine service in Labrador is designed in such a way that the communities using the ferries will have a service which is very much suited to their needs," said Barrett.

The department will also invest $2.2 million in wharf and terminal upgrades this year in Labrador, greatly improving shore-based marine infrastructure. Wharf projects will be carried out in Black Tickle, Postville and Norman Bay, along with major terminal improvements planned for Cartwright.

Government will also make significant investments in marine infrastructure on the island portion of the province. The department will spend $500,000 in wharf upgrades around the island and will spend $1.3 million on continued improvements to the Bell Island wharf. This year�s investment in Bell Island�s marine infrastructure is in addition to the approximately $2 million spent over the last two years. The improvements are designed to facilitate docking of the particular vessels servicing this run. When the work is completed, provincial ferries will have two docks from which to operate, increasing the effectiveness of a two-vessel service.

As noted in the Speech from the Throne, government will be initiating a vessel replacement and refurbishment program to address the needs of our ferry operations. The first initiative of this program is to complete the refurbishment of the Hull 100, an ice-strengthened vessel, which will enhance the capabilities of the province�s fleet.

"This government operates one of the largest provincial ferry fleets in the country. That is quite a significant undertaking and we take our responsibility for the service very seriously," said Barrett. "This government is committed to offering quality marine transportation for the people of Newfoundland and Labrador and I believe our investment and upgrades this year reflect that commitment."

Media contact: Lynn Evans, Communications, (709) 729-3015.

2002 03 21                             3:30 p.m.


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