NLIS 3
September 20, 2005
(Transportation and Works)
Consultant selected for vessel
replacement strategy
Tom Rideout, Minister of Transportation and
Works, today announced that a consultant has been selected to take a lead role
in developing a comprehensive vessel replacement strategy which will help guide
the Department of Transportation and Works in modernizing the provincial ferry
fleet.
This is part of government�s $500,000 commitment in Budget 2005 to begin
planning work toward addressing the aging provincial ferry fleet. The value of
this particular contract is approximately $250,000.
�I am pleased to announce that BMT Fleet Technology Limited, St. John�s, has
been selected to provide advice on how to best accomplish our goals of
developing an effective ferry fleet while spending taxpayers� dollars in a
responsible manner,� said Minister Rideout.
�The current issues facing our vessels are the result of years of neglect and
our government realizes that these problems will not fix themselves. We refuse
to stand idly by while an operation that many Newfoundlanders and Labradorians
rely on continues to generate issues on a regular basis. We have taken a
proactive approach to addressing this problem, and this announcement reflects
that commitment.�
Minister Rideout said the consultant will undertake a number of
responsibilities. Its work will involve condition assessments of existing
vessels, as well as identifying and detailing financing options for the
acquisition of replacement vessels. The capacity of provincial shipyards to
undertake new vessel construction will also be addressed.
�When the consultant has completed these assessments, it will issue a detailed
report to government, outlining the options available to revitalize our
provincial ferry fleet,� said Minister Rideout.
The minister added that government will have this report in its possession by
the end of the year.
�We anticipate that this report will be completed within the next several
months,� said the minister. �At that time, government will review and discuss
its contents. The recommendations will be prioritized and we will begin the
process of implementing our strategy immediately.�
Media contact: Lori Lee Oates, ABC, Communications, (709) 729-3015, 690-8403
2005 09 20
10:10 a.m. |