Tenders to be called for continued upgrading of Bell Island wharves

Works, Services and Transportation Minister Percy Barrett, in conjunction with Conception Bay East-Bell Island MHA Jim Walsh, announced today his department will call another tender as part of its plans to upgrade Bell Island�s docking facilities.

Minister Barrett said a berthing dolphin will be constructed between the two wharves at Bell Island. The dolphin will facilitate vessel berthing and mooring by providing a separation between two vessels docking or already docked. Tenders will be called the end of April, with work expected to commence mid to late May.

"The construction of this dolphin is the third phase of our upgrading plans for the wharf facilities on Bell Island," said Barrett. "Last year we spent approximately $2.1 million to upgrade the former federal wharf on Bell Island. We are currently installing fendering and carrying out other upgrades to the second dock on Bell Island, at a value of $700,000. That work began in March and is scheduled to be completed July 2002."

"With so many other competing demands, I am extremely pleased with the attention government has given to the Bell Island-Portugal Cove ferry service in the provincial budget,"said Walsh. "Government has made significant investments in this service over the past several years and the continuation of this upgrading will further enhance operations."

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

2002 04 11                        10:35 a.m.