NR-HQ-00-39E

BOUDREAU ANNOUNCES COMPLETION OF A $670,000 FEDERAL REDEVELOPMENT PROJECT AT WESTPORT FISHING HARBOUR, NOVA SCOTIA

June 22, 2000

OTTAWA -- The Honourable Bernie Boudreau, Leader of the Government in the Senate and Minister responsible for Nova Scotia, announced today on behalf of the Honourable Herb Dhaliwal, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, the completion of a three-year harbour improvement project at Westport Harbour, Digby County, Nova Scotia.

The federal government invested approximately $670,000 for the construction of a breakwater and installation of floating docks. Additional funding for this project was provided by the Westport Harbour Authority, the Municipality of Digby and the Regional Development Commission.

"This project underlines the federal government’s commitment to maintain viable and safe harbours in support of Nova Scotia's coastal communities," said Senator Boudreau. "The additional infrastructure is significant to the Westport area and will be of direct benefit to fishers by giving them access to a safer and more efficient harbour."

This project was carried out by the Department of Fisheries and Oceans, Small Craft Harbours Program, in close collaboration with the Westport Harbour Authority which manages and operates the Department’s facilities.

It is this close cooperation and partnership that enables the federal government to continue to provide an operable system of harbours and facilities throughout Canada supporting commercial fisheries and resident coastal communities.