Minister Views Progress of New Ferry Construction

The Provincial Government's two new medium-size ferry vessels, currently under construction at the Kiewit Offshore Services, Cow Head Facility near Marystown are expected to be completed before Christmas. The Honourable Tom Hedderson, Minister of Transportation and Works, visited the facility today to view ongoing construction progress on these vessels. Minister Hedderson was joined by the Honourable Clyde Jackman, Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture and MHA for Burin-Placentia West; the Honourable Darin King, Minister of Education and MHA for Grand Bank; and, Calvin Peach, MHA for Bellevue.

"This was a great opportunity to see firsthand the construction progress of these vessels that will serve as a vital transportation link for island communities in the Green Bay and St. Brendan's areas," said Minister Hedderson. "Our government committed to having these vessels constructed in Newfoundland and Labrador and it is great to see so many of our people engaged in building these modern, state of the art vessels."

"The construction activity that has been ongoing here as a result of this project is certainly a welcome boon to the local economy," said Minister Jackman. "Our government's commitment to construct these vessels here has helped to further solidify this region's reputation in the area of major fabrication and given many of our skilled trades people an opportunity to employ their skills here at home close to family and friends."

In June of 2008, the Provincial Government announced it had awarded a contract valued at $50.5 million to Peter Kiewit Sons Co. The construction of these vessels will create more than 330,000 person hours of employment. Delivery of the first vessel, which is now approximately 80 per cent complete, is expected in mid-November and the second, which is now approximately 65 per cent complete, is expected in mid-December.

"Aside from the obvious benefit of employment, there have been spin-off benefits for the entire region," said Minister King. "Opportunities created by major construction projects such as this, in any rural region of the province, extend far beyond the community in which the work physically takes place. The construction of these vessels at Kiewit's Cow Head facility has benefited the entire region."

"The workforce and industry in this region are showing, once again, that they are more than capable of delivering on major fabrication projects," said Mr. Peach. "This construction is indeed a tremendous benefit for the people in this area."

Budget 2010: The Right Investments — For Our Children and Our Future allocated a record $1 billion for provincial infrastructure investments, for a total infrastructure strategy valued at more than $5 billion over the next several years. As part of this investment, $55 million is allocated in 2010-11 to continue with the vessel replacement strategy. Including these medium-size vessels under construction, the Provincial Government is currently engaged in various stages of work towards the construction of 10 new vessels for the provincial service.

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2010 09 15                                                   5:00 p.m.