Province Awards Tenders for Construction of Wharves at Pool's Cove and Hermitage

With an investment of nearly $6 million, the Provincial Government has awarded tenders for the construction of wharves at Pool's Cove and Hermitage. The tender for the Pool's Cove wharf has been awarded to Coady Construction and Excavation Ltd. of Torbay at a valued of $3 million. The tender for the Hermitage wharf has been awarded to Seagull Construction Ltd. of Conception Bay South, at a value of $2.8 million.

"With the doubling of production in the province's aquaculture industry, the development of aquaculture infrastructure has been a priority for our government," said the Honourable Clyde Jackman, Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture. "These projects were recommended in the aquaculture infrastructure study that my department carried out last year. They will greatly add to the health and safety of the province's aquaculture industry."

The Marine Infrastructure Study identified Pool's Cove and Hermitage as areas in need of wharves. With the construction of these wharves, the province is adopting best practices in aquaculture by ensuring clean and secure wharf areas. These wharves will ensure that fish and materials going to and from the site will be kept separate. This provides for a healthy and high-quality seafood product.

"Aquaculture is a key employment sector for this rural district, and I am extremely pleased with our government's investment in such critical infrastructure, to further enhance our growth potential," said Tracey Perry, MHA for Fortune Bay-Cape La Hune. "We clearly recognize the importance of this industry to the south coast and to the province, and are very committed to building a prosperous, sustainable industry."

"I recently visited the Connaigre Peninsula area and saw with my own eyes the positive impact that aquaculture development is having," said Minister Jackman. "The economic growth is evident everywhere in the region where approximately 700 jobs have been created. People have a very positive attitude and there is potential for further growth."

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2010 01 21                                                    3:10 p.m.