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Environment and Conservation
September 17, 2009

T�Railway Provincial Park Receives Funding

A new cost-sharing agreement between the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador and the Federal Government will address a number of concerns along the T�Railway Provincial Park. The initiative, cost-shared on a 50-50 basis, will result in $1.6 million being utilized for improvements and repairs to the T�Railway, including the re-instatement of the Crabbe�s River Bridge located in the community of St. Fintan�s, Western Newfoundland.

"The T�Railway Provincial Park represents an important infrastructure component for the many outdoor enthusiasts who regularly travel these routes," said the Honourable Charlene Johnson, Minister of Environment and Conservation. "This cost-sharing agreement speaks to our commitment to ensuring this trail system and our natural environment will continue to be enjoyed in a safe manner. The investment in our natural heritage is an investment in our residents."

"Throughout our country, we see the value Canadians place on their trail systems," said the Honourable Gary Lunn, federal Minister of State (Sport). "Today�s announcement recognizes the importance of partnerships, and shows an important investment in communities to help Canadian families and individuals access high-quality outdoor infrastructure to maintain healthy and active lifestyles."

In the spring of 2008, the Crabbes River Bridge received severe structural damage as the result of an ice jam. An engineering analysis determined the structure was beyond repair, and it was subsequently removed.

"From both a recreational and eco-tourism standpoint, the Crabbes River Bridge is significant to many people in my area," said the Honourable Joan Burke, MHA for St. George�s-Stephenville East. "It is important that we recognize the value the T�Railway holds for the people of the province, and I am very pleased that a major structure like the Crabbes River Bridge will be replaced and utilized for many years to come."

In addition to the replacement of the Crabbes River structure, the Newfoundland T�Railway Council, along with the departments of Environment and Conservation, and Transportation and Works, are currently working together to identify additional areas of improvement along the T�Railway Provincial Park. The cost-sharing agreement will also allow for the replacement of Indian Pond Bridge in Conception Bay, as well as vegetation control efforts.

The funding from the cost-sharing agreement complements the $2 million allocated in Budget 2009 to remove and replace structures at Codroy North Branch, Middle Brook and Morris Brook. The provincial funding also allows for the repair of bridges at Robinson�s East and Robinson�s West, as well as the removal of what remains of the collapsed older bridge structure at Bear Cove. A new bridge has already been installed at Bear Cove.

"I am very pleased that we have been able to work co-operatively to improve this trail system which helps ensure access to many of our pristine wilderness areas," said Terry Morrison, Executive Director of the Newfoundland T�Railway Council. "The funding will allow us to assess, repair and replace a number of structures along the T�Railway, thereby improving the experience of its users."

Minister Johnson also noted that this announcement complements the support that has been given to the provincial park system overall.

"Our government is committed to our provincial parks system, and this is evident over the last four years with our investment of $4 million in the Provincial Parks Renewal Strategy for provincial camping parks," said Minister Johnson. "Further to this investment, we are now securing funding to upgrade and improve the T�Railway Provincial Park."

The T�Railway Provincial Park was proclaimed on July 10, 1997. The Department of Environment and Conservation has an MOU with the Newfoundland T�Railway Council to share responsibility for T�Railway development.

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Media contacts:

Melony O�Neill
Director of Communications
Department of Environment and Conservation
709-729-2575, 689-0928
moneill@gov.nl.ca
Michelle Yao
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of State (Sport)
819-934-1131
michelle.yao@pch.gc.ca
Scott Locke
Executive Assistant to the
Hon. Joan Burke, MHA for
St. George�s-Stephenville East
709-729-1060
ScottLocke@gov.nl.ca
Terry Morrison
Executive Director
Newfoundland T�Railway Council
709-256-8833
trailway@nfld.net

2009 09 17                                                      11:30 a.m.
 


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