Projects Announced for Two Communities on Burin Peninsula

The Honourable Shawn Skinner, Minister of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development, today announced more than $63,000 for projects focused on leveraging the regional strengths of the southern Burin Peninsula.

The Honourable Darin King, MHA, Grand Bank, and Wayde Rowsell, Mayor of St. Lawrence, joined Minister Skinner in announcing the funding at the St. Lawrence Town Hall.

�The Burin Peninsula has a well-earned reputation as a hub of activity for tourism, manufacturing, and marine services,� said Minister Skinner. �Today�s announcement of funding for the Town of St. Lawrence and Harbour Authority of Fortune will help advance that reputation. With the continued expansion of these sectors, the southern Burin Peninsula economy will be that much stronger for the long-term and will help lead to new opportunities for the local business community and residents alike.�

The Town of St. Lawrence is receiving $45,912 to complete a 3.1 kilometre trail to Chamber Cove, site of the 1942 USS Truxtun and USS Pollux shipwrecks where more than 200 American sailors died and 186 others were saved by residents. Trail construction, which is scheduled to be completed in 2010, includes the installation of culverts, benches, picnic tables, signage, and other amenities.

With $17,000 from the Provincial Government, the Harbour Authority of Fortune is improving its harbour area with new fencing and improved lighting in the ferry terminal parking lot. The facility upgrades increase the authority�s level of service to harbour users and travelers.

�Providing community groups with the resources required to expand their economic potential is an objective of the Provincial Government,� said Minister King. �I am pleased to see the Town of St. Lawrence and Harbour Authority of Fortune identify opportunities that will lead to the continued economic and social development of their respective communities.�

Both initiatives are funded through the Regional/Sectoral Diversification Fund (RSDF). The Provincial Government increased investments in the fund to $8 million in Budget 2009: Building on Our Strong Foundation. Administered by the Department of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development, the RSDF provides non-repayable contributions to economic development agencies for initiatives that address regional and sectoral development and diversification.

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2010 03 19                                                   10:40 a.m.