Transportation and Works
July 3, 2014

Supporting Safe, Reliable, and Sustainable Regional Infrastructure

$4.1 Million Investment to Support Wharf Improvements on Change Islands and Fogo Island

Provincial Government funding of $4.1 million for wharf improvements on Change Islands and Fogo Island will ensure that the necessary marine infrastructure is in place to accommodate the new $51 million ferry that will begin service in September 2015.

“Significant progress continues to be made as we near the September 2015 introduction of a new ferry that will service Change Islands and Fogo Island. First steel has recently been cut on the new $51 million ferry, which will provide a more reliable and better overall passenger experience as well as operate in more challenging ice conditions. With the $4.1 million in wharf improvements soon to begin the communities will be ready to meet the requirements that come with operating a new, modern ferry.”
- The Honourable Nick McGrath, Minister of Transportation and Works

Coady Construction and Excavation Limited and B&R Enterprises Limited have been contracted to complete improvements, which include dredging, as well as raising wharf height and widening the loading ramps. The contracted work will be completed in 2014. Upgrades to the ramp in Farewell are included in a separate tender scheduled to close on July 8, 2014.

“This is a significant investment in wharf improvements that will improve the service provided to the residents of Change Islands and Fogo Island. Residents, visitors and commercial users will benefit from improved loading and unloading infrastructure and wharf upgrades. Improving ferry service is a priority and will support the strong economy in the region.”
- The Honourable Derrick Dalley, Minister of Natural Resources and MHA for the Isles of Notre Dame

To view a computer animation of the new ferry, visit www.youtube.com/watch?v=O5lGK5Bb8sc .

Budget 2014: Shared Prosperity, Fair Society, Balanced Outlook includes $71.5 million for ferry vessel replacement and ongoing maintenance and $8.5 million for improvements to marine terminals and wharfs. These investments are a part of a multi-year initiative to replace and upgrade marine infrastructure.

QUICK FACTS

• A Provincial Government investment of $4.1 million for wharf improvements on Change Islands and Fogo Island will ensure that the necessary marine infrastructure is in place to accommodate the new ferry that will begin service in September 2015.
• Coady Construction and Excavation Limited will complete $2.2 million in improvements on Change Islands. B&R Enterprises Limited have been contracted to complete $1.9 million in improvements on Fogo Island.
• The Provincial Government delivers ferry service to 23 communities and 41 terminal ports.
• In 2013-14, the Provincial Government invested $88 million in provincial ferry services and received $6.5 million in ferry paid revenue.

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Media contacts:

Scott Barfoot Director of Communications Department of Transportation and Works 709-729-3015, 690-6290 scottbarfoot@gov.nl.ca

Deborah Chaulk Constituency Assistant to Honourable Derrick Dalley, MHA for the Isles of Notre Dame 709-884-1226 DeborahChaulk@gov.nl.ca

2014 07 03      11:10 a.m.