Minister announces underwater diving inspection of Lewisporte wharf

Tom Rideout, Minister of Transportation and Works and MHA for Lewisporte District, today announced an underwater diving inspection of the wharf at Coastal Labrador Marine Services in Lewisporte.

Minister Rideout said: "Our government recognizes that ferries and marine infrastructure are very important to the people who use them everyday, and ensuring the safety of these facilities is a responsibility that we take very seriously. We are committed to making strategic investments into the maintenance of these services, and an inspection of one of our province�s main marine facilities demonstrates this commitment.

"Our government is committed to revitalizing rural Newfoundland and Labrador. We will continue to implement government programs that maintain our marine facilities and services," said the minister.

"This initiative is particularly significant for the residents of Lewisporte," continued the minister. "A safe, reliable marine infrastructure is instrumental in attracting visitors and travelers to the province and will help to maintain a strong and vital link between the island and Southern Labrador. Collectively, this will result in major benefits for residents throughout the province."

Minister Rideout said that, over the past year and a half, significant investments have been made in business and community economic development which will boost rural economic development and help the province become more competitive nationally and internationally. "As we are guiding Newfoundland and Labrador toward economic and fiscal stability, we continue to provide for the critical services that the public depend on."

Media contact: Lori Lee Oates, ABC, Communications, (709) 729-3015, (709) 690-8403

2005 05 25                                 3:40 p.m.