Consultant appointed for Long Island Causeway study

Percy Barrett, Minister of Works, Services and Transportation, announced today that AMEC Earth and Environmental Ltd. has been appointed to undertake a waterway user study at Long Island Tickle, between Long Island and Pilley�s Island.

"The consultant will get started on the study early in the new year and will complete it by the end of April 2003," said Minister Barrett. "By consulting with users of that waterway, AMEC will determine the appropriate vertical and horizontal bridge opening necessary to accommodate marine traffic in the area."

The results of the study will help determine if construction of a causeway is financially feasible. If the project is deemed financially feasible, the study will assist departmental officials in preparing a more detailed design of the causeway and bridge and registering the project under the federal Navigable Waters Protection Act. It is expected that registering the project will trigger an environmental review under the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act.

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

2002 12 23                                        2:35 p.m.