Innovation, Business and Rural Development
March 10, 2014

Strengthening Rural Communities Through Sound Investments

Town of St. Lawrence Receives $101,000 to Improve Access to Trail Network

Provincial Government funding totalling $101,439 will support the revitalization of the Iron Springs Bridge, located in St. Lawrence, and improve access to the Chambers Cove Trail Network. The announcement was made today at the Town Hall in St. Lawrence by the Honourable Darin King, Minister of Justice and MHA for Grand Bank, on behalf of the Honourable Terry French, Minister of Innovation, Business and Rural Development.

“Chambers Cove is the site of the 1942 USS Truxtun and USS Pollux shipwrecks, where residents from St. Lawrence and Lawn came to the rescue of 186 US navy men who were fighting for their lives in the vicious storm that took down both ships. The story of their rescue, among them the late and renowned Lanier Phillips, is a significant tourism draw for the region. I am pleased that this $101,439 investment will help St. Lawrence upgrade the bridge, which will secure access to the Chambers Cove Trail for visitors and tourists to the area.”
- The Honourable Terry French, Minister of Innovation, Business and Rural Development

Scenic touring and hiking are among the top tourist activities in St. Lawrence, with the Chambers Cove Trail being one of the most popular attractions. Funding will support revitalization of the of the Iron Springs Bridge which will provide safe access to the Chambers Cove site, ensuring tourists can continue to enjoy the hiking trail and view the shipwreck site. Bridge restoration and the opening of the trail system are anticipated to be complete by the beginning of the tourism season.

“Today’s announcement is the result of a great working relationship with the St. Lawrence council and volunteers. We are working together to improve access to the walking trails, while remembering the brave souls involved in the Truxtun and Pollux disaster."
- The Honourable Darin King, Minister of Justice and MHA for Grand Bank

The Town of St. Lawrence has gone to great lengths to commemorate the sinking of the Truxtun and Pollux. In addition to the management of the trail system, the town also hosts an annual memorial, contributes to displays at the St. Lawrence Miners Museum, as well as developing and caring for other monuments throughout the municipality.

"The municipality of St. Lawrence is extremely pleased with this announcement. This project will certainly enhance Chambers Cove Trail and make it a world-class destination for tourists visiting our region. This project clearly shows what can be accomplished through partnerships.”
- Paul Pike, Mayor of St. Lawrence

Through sound fiscal management and responsible decisions, the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is strengthening the business environment, encouraging the development of innovative industries and building a vibrant economy.

QUICK FACTS

• The Provincial Government is providing $101,439 in funding to support the revitalization of the Iron Springs Bridge located in St. Lawrence.
• The Town of St. Lawrence has a strong connection with the US Navy, having received numerous acknowledgments, the most significant being the establishment of the US Memorial hospital, funded by the American Government in 1954.
• A survivor of the USS Truxtun wreck, Lanier Phillips was the first black man many of the residents the Town of St. Lawrence had ever seen. As a result of his experience, Lanier Philips lived the remainder of his life speaking of his treatment in St. Lawrence and the positive impact it had on his life.
• The Chambers Cove Trail is promoted by the Town of St. Lawrence as well as the Heritage Run Tourism Association.
• The Iron Springs Bridge provides access to the Chambers Cove Trail Network, a tourism draw for the region.

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2014 03 10                                                    3:40 p.m.