The Honourable Shawn Skinner, Minister of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development, today announced a $592,707 investment to develop a marine industrial park at Power�s Cove in Mortier Bay. The new infrastructure advances the industrial and marine sectors, along with encouraging sustainable long-term employment and economic growth on the Burin Peninsula.

The announcement was made at the Marystown Town Hall, where Minister Skinner was joined by the Honourable Clyde Jackman, MHA for Burin-Placentia West; Sam Synard, Mayor of Marystown; and members of the business community.

"This is an exciting venture for the Town of Marystown that will positively impact the local and regional economy," said Minister Skinner. "Today�s investment reflects the Provincial Government�s commitment to advancing the province�s rural regions and leveraging regional strengths. It also improves the competitiveness of local companies as they compete globally and best positions the province as large industrial projects are developed."

The initiative is led by the Town of Marystown�s Port Authority Committee and will include site preparation for a 20-lot marine industrial park with six fully-serviced lots completed over the coming months. The project also includes the installation of hydro, water, and sewer services complete with sewage treatment and outfall to the entire industrial park, and base course asphalt to the first six lots with sub-grade road construction to the marginal wharf site.

"The Town of Marystown and many other groups and individuals on the Burin Peninsula have been eagerly awaiting funding to construct this marine industrial park," said Mayor Synard. "This project will enhance the business infrastructure in our region by building on and complementing our existing oil and gas and marine services capabilities. This new marine industrial park is another step towards building Mortier Bay into a world class harbour that can accommodate and provide services to the largest ships in the world."

Minister Jackman, MHA for Burin-Placentia West, indicated that the infrastructure development will offer significant opportunities for the Burin Peninsula.

"The Town of Marystown is the economic and commercial centre for the Burin Peninsula," said Minister Jackman. "Its ship building and refit capabilities are internationally-recognized. I am confident that through this investment we are considerably strengthening the area�s capacity and creating a business environment that will benefit the entire region."

Established in 2003 by the Town of Marystown, the Port Authority Committee is responsible for guiding the development of Mortier Bay. Future work will include the construction of 14 new industrial building lots, which is anticipated to lever private sector investment.

This initiative was funded through the Regional/Sectoral Diversification Fund (RSDF), which through Budget 2009: Building on Our Strong Foundation was increased to an $8 million fund. Administered by the Department of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development, the RSDF provides non-repayable contributions to economic development agencies and community groups for initiatives that address regional and sectoral development and diversification.

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