The Governments of Canada and Newfoundland and Labrador
Announce Investments in Infrastructure

The Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of National Defence and Regional Minister for Newfoundland and Labrador, on behalf of the Honourable Chuck Strahl, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities, and the Honourable Susan Sullivan, Newfoundland and Labrador’s Minister of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development, today announced new investments in infrastructure projects that will increase the efficiency of the transportation system, contributing to long-term economic prosperity in the province. The Federal Government will contribute up to $15.68 million to these projects, while the Provincial Government’s contribution will amount to $14.43 million. The total value of the projects is in excess of $43 million.

“Building strong transportation infrastructure is an important part of Newfoundland and Labrador's future prosperity,” said Minister MacKay. “Our government is proud to partner with the Provincial Government to benefit thousands of people and to realize Newfoundland and Labrador’s full potential as a transportation corridor.”

“The Provincial Government is pleased to support projects that expand the capacity and efficiency of transportation infrastructure in Newfoundland and Labrador,” said the Honourable Susan Sullivan, Minister of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development. “By supporting improvements at the St. John’s and Gander International Airports, as well as the continued development of SmartBay in Placentia Bay, we are taking important steps in cementing the province’s position as a transportation hub in the north Atlantic, and inviting new opportunities for Newfoundland and Labrador’s business community. As a government, we also look forward to continuing to advance transportation infrastructure throughout Newfoundland and Labrador in collaboration with the Federal Government.”

The investments include the installation of a category III instrument landing system at St. John’s International Airport. Funding will also make it possible to construct a new roll-on/roll-off ramp at the Port of Argentia; rehabilitate the runway at Gander International Airport; and expand the SmartBay project of the Marine Institute by installing additional buoys and sensors to enhance marine traffic management in Placentia Bay.

Federal support for these projects is from the Gateways and Border Crossings Fund, which is designed to support transportation and trade-related infrastructure at Canada’s strategic gateways and border crossings. Funding is conditional on meeting all applicable federal eligibility and approval requirements.

For information on the Atlantic Gateway and Trade Corridor Strategy, and associated project funding, please visit www.atlanticgateway.gc.ca.

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2011 03 23             11:50 a.m.