NLIS 5
March 22, 2005
(Transportation and Works)
Minister announces awarding of
contract for Sir Robert Bond refit
Tom Rideout, Minister of Transportation and
Works, today announced that a contract has been awarded for the annual refit and
inspection of the MV Sir Robert Bond.
Budget 2005 allocated $2.97 million for refits to the MV Sir Robert Bond and MV
Northern Ranger, which are part of the Labrador Marine Service. Newdock of St.
John�s has been awarded a contract valued at over $2 million for the annual
refit of the Sir Robert Bond. The Bond�s annual refit and inspection is required
by Transport Canada.
Minister Rideout said, "This contract will provide for improvements to the
vessel through the addition of more seating, additional overnight accommodations
and the installation of an elevator to improve the vessel�s accessibility. Our
government endeavours to make our vessels accessible to all individuals
including those who may need assistance with boarding a vessel in our fleet."
Last year, Transportation and Works made alterations to the MV Northern Ranger,
another vessel that is part of the Labrador Marine Service. The department
installed a new portable wheelchair lift/ramp on the Ranger.
"The department also made a number of positive changes to the Labrador Marine
Service during the past year. In December 2004, we released the 2005 schedule
for the Sir Robert Bond and other vessels that comprise the Labrador Marine
Service," said the minister. "I have been advised that this is the earliest the
schedule has ever been available since the service was taken over provincially."
"The people of this province depend upon a strong, quality infrastructure. Our
government recognizes that ferries and marine infrastructure are very important
to the people who use them everyday," said the minister. "To that end, another
$4 million has been budgeted for annual and mid-life vessel refits for ferries
that serve the island, representing a $1.6 million increase over the 2004-05
budget year. The overall increase for the province is $3.1 million."
"These strategic investments will enable our government to provide for a stable
ferry service over the long-term. As we are guiding the province toward economic
and fiscal stability, we continue to provide for the critical services that the
public depend on," said Minister Rideout.
"Government is committed to providing safe and reliable vessels for the people
of the province and providing quality ferry service to the people of Labrador.
Just as stability and reliability were the hallmarks of the 2004 shipping
season, the department anticipates that the 2005 season will be just as
effective."
Ministerial Statement
Media contact: Lori Lee Oates, ABC, Communications, (709) 729-3015, 690-8403
2005 03 22 2:00 p.m. |