Fisheries and Aquaculture
February 2, 2015
Enhancing Marine Infrastructure to Benefit Communities
Special Assistance Grants Support Close to 100 Projects in 2014-15
The Provincial Government continues to help communities throughout Newfoundland and Labrador enhance vital marine infrastructure through its Special Assistance Grants program. The program, which supports upgrades and maintenance to wharves, slipways, and community stages, helped 98 organizations pursue projects over the past year.
“Special Assistance Grants give hard working non-profit organizations help with raising funds so they can pursue infrastructure improvements that are important to those living in shore-based communities. Our government is pleased to have partnered in 98 projects over the past year, and remains committed to supporting access to quality marine infrastructure.”
- The Honourable Vaughn Granter, Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture
Non-profit organizations, including fishery committees, community councils, development associations, and harbour authorities, are all supported by the program. The average amount an individual project receives is $3,000, which then leverages other funding sources to complete necessary projects. Examples of funding distributed by the program include:
- $3,000 provided to the St. Barbe Development Association to complete marshalling yard improvements at New Ferolle which enabled local fish harvesters safe access to their vessels;
- $3,000 provided to the Local Service District of Tizzard’s Harbour to repair the wharf in Tizzard’s Harbour to ensure that local fish harvesters have access to safe infrastructure; and
- $3,000 provided to the Harbour Authority of Portugal Cove South to carry out emergency repairs to the slipway in Portugal Cove South that was damaged by high seas.
Each of these projects is now completed, with area residents benefiting from the upgraded infrastructure.
QUICK FACTS
- Over the past year, 98 projects were supported under the Special Assistance Grant program, which provides assistance for improvements to marine infrastructure.
- Costs covered by the program include construction materials and the rental of equipment.
- Funding applicants must provide an explanation of their project, identify the amount of fishing activity that takes place in the region, and note the other sources of funding that will be pursued to complete the project.
- For further information about Special Assistance Grants, email fisheries@gov.nl.ca.
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Media contact:
Jason Card
Director of Communications
Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture
709-729-3733, 699-0470
jasoncard@gov.nl.ca
2015 02 02 2:35 p.m.