Minister provides update on province�s ferry operations

Tom Rideout, Minister of Transportation and Works, today provided an update on the province�s ferry operations. Minister Rideout said, �My department has been actively working with the captains of the various vessels in the fleet to address the current problems that have arisen due to past years of neglect.�

In addition to working with senior marine personnel, the department has made many efforts to ensure all ferry users are aware of government�s plans in relation to the ferry fleet.

�Our government wishes to provide the best possible service to ferry users throughout the province,� said the minister. �To that end, the MV Nonia will continue to service the Little Bay Islands-Shoal Arm run until the MV Inch Iran can return to service. We anticipate this vessel will be ready to return to service in approximately one week.� The Inch Iran is currently undergoing work in Clarenville.

At present, the MV Island Joiner is on dry-dock in St. John�s. Minister Rideout said, �It is anticipated that the Island Joiner may be ready to return to service on the Long Island-Pilley�s Island run, with repairs completed, in approximately 10 days to two weeks.�

The Department of Transportation and Works is in the process of contracting a vessel to transport passengers between Long Island and Pilley�s Island. �In the meantime, my department will continue to provide an air service in the area. The cost for residents will be the same as the cost to use the ferry. The air service will be in place for at least the next week, or as long as required,� said the minister.

�My department has been in discussions with the transportation committee at Long Island. We are actively working with them to provide the best level of service possible under current conditions,� said Minister Rideout. �To that end, my department will work with the air service provider and contract vessel to ensure delivery of necessities such as fuel and food until this situation is resolved.�

The minister says that his department has both short and long-term plans to address the problems currently being experienced with the province�s ferry fleet. �In the short term, the MV Hamilton Sound will continue to service St. Brendan�s-Burnside for the short-term. However, it is acknowledged that this is not the most suitable vessel in heavy ice conditions. Should such conditions occur, the department will utilize the MV Nonia as a replacement for the MV Hamilton Sound. The department will be installing a bow thruster on the vessel later this year which will make the vessel more maneuverable.�

Minister Rideout said, �As for the long-term plans, Budget 2005-06 allocated $500,000 to begin planning work for a provincial vessel replacement strategy. A consultant has been engaged to carryout this planning work and provide advice on the most effective means by which necessary vessel replacement should occur.

�The current problems with the provincial ferry fleet are the result of years of neglect,� said the minister. �However, our government will address these problems in an appropriate fashion. We will do the necessary research on how to best proceed and then do so in a strategic manner. We will make the best use of our limited financial resources in spending tax payers� dollars to address these serious problems.�

Media contact: Lori Lee Oates, ABC, Communications, (709) 729-3015, 690-8403

2005 09 13                                      4:15 p.m.