Innovation, Business and Rural Development
March 10, 2014
Strengthening Rural Communities Through Sound Investments
Town of St. Lawrence Receives $101,000 to Improve Access to Trail Network
Provincial Government funding totalling $101,439 will support the revitalization of the Iron Springs Bridge, located in St. Lawrence, and improve access to the Chambers Cove Trail Network. The announcement was made today at the Town Hall in St. Lawrence by the Honourable Darin King, Minister of Justice and MHA for Grand Bank, on behalf of the Honourable Terry French, Minister of Innovation, Business and Rural Development.
“Chambers Cove is the site of the 1942 USS Truxtun and USS Pollux shipwrecks, where residents from St. Lawrence and Lawn came to the rescue of 186 US navy men who were fighting for their lives in the vicious storm that took down both ships. The story of their rescue, among them the late and renowned Lanier Phillips, is a significant tourism draw for the region. I am pleased that this $101,439 investment will help St. Lawrence upgrade the bridge, which will secure access to the Chambers Cove Trail for visitors and tourists to the area.”
- The Honourable Terry French, Minister of Innovation, Business and Rural Development
Scenic touring and hiking are among the top tourist activities in St. Lawrence, with the Chambers Cove Trail being one of the most popular attractions. Funding will support revitalization of the of the Iron Springs Bridge which will provide safe access to the Chambers Cove site, ensuring tourists can continue to enjoy the hiking trail and view the shipwreck site. Bridge restoration and the opening of the trail system are anticipated to be complete by the beginning of the tourism season.
“Today’s announcement is the result of a great working relationship with the St. Lawrence council and volunteers. We are working together to improve access to the walking trails, while remembering the brave souls involved in the Truxtun and Pollux disaster."
- The Honourable Darin King, Minister of Justice and MHA for Grand Bank
The Town of St. Lawrence has gone to great lengths to commemorate the sinking of the Truxtun and Pollux. In addition to the management of the trail system, the town also hosts an annual memorial, contributes to displays at the St. Lawrence Miners Museum, as well as developing and caring for other monuments throughout the municipality.
"The municipality of St. Lawrence is extremely pleased with this announcement. This project will certainly enhance Chambers Cove Trail and make it a world-class destination for tourists visiting our region. This project clearly shows what can be accomplished through partnerships.”
- Paul Pike, Mayor of St. Lawrence
Through sound fiscal management and responsible decisions, the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is strengthening the business environment, encouraging the development of innovative industries and building a vibrant economy.
QUICK FACTS
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Media contacts:Heather MacLean Director of Communications Department of Innovation, Business and Rural Development 709-729-4570, 697-4137 heathermaclean@gov.nl.ca | Corey Parsons Constituency Assistant to the Honourable Darin King MHA for Grand Bank 709-832-2531 coreyparsons@gov.nl.ca |
Greg Quirke Manger, Town of St. Lawrence 709-873- 2222 townofstlawrence@nf.aibn.com |
2014 03 10 3:40 p.m.