Transportation and Works
June 19, 2007

Government Makes Improvements to Ferry Docks at Bell Island-Portugal Cove

The Williams Government continues to revitalize the provincial ferry service by making significant upgrades to the Bell Island-Portugal Cove terminals.

The Honourable John Hickey, Minister of Transportation and Works, announced today that the $2 million refurbishment of the north ramp on the Portugal Cove terminal dock has been completed. This project commenced in spring 2006 and will conclude with renovations to the south ramp. Minister Hickey also announced that the Provincial Government has awarded a $1.6 million tender for the final phase of upgrading to the Bell Island terminal dock.

"This government is overhauling the provincial ferry service and that includes everything from vessel construction and rate reduction to ferry infrastructure, such as what we�re doing on Bell Island and in Portugal Cove," said Minister Hickey.

"Our investments in provincial ferries are investments in rural economies. These investments will result in an improved and more reliable transportation network, allowing individuals to continue to live in smaller communities and have access to private sector and public services."

The Honourable Dianne Whalen, MHA for Conception Bay East and Bell Island, said the improvements are essential for the future viability of Bell Island.

"Over 500,000 passengers use the Bell Island-Portugal Cove ferry service, making it the most utilized in the province by far," said Minister Whalen. "This service is their highway to the rest of the province and traffic crossing the tickle is increasing every year. These improvements are very good news for my district and auger well for the future success and growth of Bell Island."

Gary Gosine, mayor of Wabana and vice chair of the Bell Island Ferry Users Committee, said, "I regard this investment in Bell Island's ferry service as a vote of confidence in Bell Island and Bell Islanders and an indication of the Provincial Government's firm commitment to rural Newfoundland and Labrador. This government has made, and continues to make, a series of investments in our ferry service which is the foundation of Bell Island's growing economy."

As part of its Vessel Replacement Strategy, the Williams Government announced in Budget 2007 that it will invest $15 million to begin construction of two new ferries this year. Both vessels will cost approximately $25 million and will create approximately 330,000 person hours of employment. The Provincial Government also plans to build another three vessels over the next five years.

In addition to investing in ferry construction, in Budget 2007 the Williams Government injected $10.3 million for refits of government-owned ferry vessels and $5 million for maintenance and capital construction of terminals and wharfs. Also, as part of Budget 2007, the Provincial Government announced in March it will invest $1.5 million to reduce ferry rates, bringing them in line with road equivalency.

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Media contact:
David Salter
Director of Communications
Department of Transportation and Works
709-729-3015, 691-3577
davidsalter@gov.nl.ca

2007 06 19                                                     2:35 p.m.

 


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