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NLIS 2 March 22, 2002 (Labrador and Aboriginal Affairs) (Works, Services and Transportation)
Labrador and Aboriginal Affairs Minister Ernie McLean and Works, Services and Transportation Minister Percy Barrett in Happy Valley-Goose Bay today announced details of the province�s commitment to build Phase III of the Trans Labrador Highway. The ministers were joined by Torngat Mountains MHA Wally Andersen and Cartwright-L�Anse au Clair MHA Yvonne Jones. "Given these times of restraint, I am pleased government has not ignored some of the pressing transportation needs in Labrador," said Minister McLean. "As announced in this year�s budget, Government intends to invest some $100 million, or $17 million a year, to build Phase III of the Trans Labrador Highway, from Happy Valley-Goose Bay to Cartwright, over a six-year period." Work will begin on the route following the completion of an environmental assessment. "Before construction of Phase III can begin, we have to fulfill the requirements of the Environmental Assessment Act," the minister said. "While the province also recognizes that there are several issues that have to be dealt with before a route can be selected for Phase III, we are confident that by working in consultation with various interest groups the process can be brought to a successful conclusion." The province has made a commitment to consult with the Innu Nation before any planning or work is done on Phase III. "We fully intend to follow through on that commitment," Mr. McLean said. "As well, we will be seeking input from other stakeholders as we work through the process." The province will recognize $97.4 million from the Labrador Transportation Initiative Fund as general revenue this year. This is prudent cash management, since government�s cost of borrowing will exceed the interest being earned on the fund. "While there have been some concerns raised by government�s decision to recognize the Labrador Transportation Initiative Fund as general revenue, I can assure the people of Labrador that the current arrangement is in the best interest of the entire region," Mr. McLean said. "We have requested the federal government enter into a cost-shared funding agreement to complete Phase III, but we have not yet received a favourable response. We have gone on record as saying that the Trans Labrador Highway is the province�s number one priority, and we made a commitment to the people of Labrador that we would find a way to complete Phase III. Today I am pleased to say we will live up to that commitment." The province will continue to operate and maintain coastal marine services in perpetuity. 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. With the funding, the province agreed to complete Phases I and II, to undertake other Labrador transportation initiatives as approved by Cabinet, and to operate the ferry service to coastal Labrador. "By the end of the 2002 construction season, Phase I and Phase II of the Trans Labrador Highway will be completed, and we have committed to the continued operation of coastal marine services," said Mr. Barrett. "We have lived up to the commitments made in the Labrador Transportation Initiative, and the time has come for us to take the necessary steps to enhance our transportation systems." The minister went on to say that the province will continue to press the federal government into entering into an agreement that will see continued upgrading to the Trans Labrador Highway. "The Trans Labrador Highway is vital to the economic and social growth of Labrador," said Barrett. "Now that we�ve reached the stage where funding has been committed to complete Phase III, we believe it is imperative for Ottawa to enter into a funding arrangement that will result in the enhanced improvements to the highway." "The completion of the Trans Labrador Highway will have a tremendous social and economic impact on the entire region," said Ms. Jones. "It will mean increased commerce for my district, and provide the necessary link to ensure future prosperity for all of Labrador." Torngat Mountains MHA Wally Andersen said the completion of Phase III will open another chapter in Labrador�s transportation history. "I am pleased that government has committed to ensuring communities in my district receive quality marine services in the future," he said. "The completion of the Trans Labrador Highway demonstrates government�s willingness to make the necessary decisions for it to act on its priorities. I am proud to be associated with a government that�s not afraid to make bold decisions in order to ensure a bright and prosperous future for all of Labrador." Media contact:
2002 03 22 10:15 a.m.
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