Minister reaffirms commitment to timely, environmentally-responsible completion of Trans-Labrador Highway (Phase III)

Tom Rideout, Minister of Transportation and Works, today reaffirmed his commitment to the timely completion of Phase III of the Trans-Labrador Highway and to continued cooperation with the environmental review process.

The Department of Environment and Conservation has requested additional information to complete the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) and two component studies - Fish and Fish Habitat and Tourism and Recreation.

"We intend to complete Phase III not only in a timely manner, but also in an environmentally-responsible manner. My department is fully engaged in the environmental review process and will continue to provide any information the Department of Environment and Conservation requests," said Minister Rideout. "The information gaps identified are not major and will not require any additional field work. We should be able to submit the amended EIS within the next week to ten days."

The original EIS addressed two proposed routes: a northerly route which crosses the Eagle River watershed and is used by many outfitters, and a southerly route which is preferred by the majority of stakeholder groups involved in the review process.

"We have done extensive research and have sought input from the public. We agree with stakeholders, most of whom have expressed a preference for the southern route and wish to see this project started," said the minister. "The southern route is a win-win, since it both addresses environmental concerns and allows us to begin construction of Phase III this year."

The amended EIS will include the additional information requested by the Department of Environment and Conservation and will put forward the southerly route for construction of Phase III of the Trans-Labrador Highway.

"I am very pleased with this progress. I hope for the department to be cleared from the environmental review process by May in time to call tenders for construction in early June," said the minister.

Media contact: Deanne Hayward, Communications, (709) 729-3015.

2004 03 09                                        11:20 a.m.