NR-HQ-00-42E

HUBBARD ANNOUNCES A $1.3 MILLION FEDERAL INVESMENT FOR IMPROVEMENTS AT SMALL CRAFT HARBOURS IN MIRAMICHI, NEW BRUNSWICK

June 26, 2000

MIRAMICHI -- Charles Hubbard, Member of Parliament for the constituency of Miramichi, announced today on behalf of the Honourable Herb Dhaliwal, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, that the federal government will invest $1.3 million in harbour improvements at the New Brunswick fishing harbours of Escuminac and McEacherns Point.

At Escuminac, a major portion of the west wharf will be repaired and a new concrete deck installed. In addition, armour stone will be placed parallel to the wharf, approximately 20 metres west, in order to protect it against storm and ice damage. The area between the wharf and the row of armour stone will be filled in the future to create additional parking space.

At McEacherns Point, wharf repairs will be undertaken to raise the deck on part of the south wharf to bring it to the same elevation as the rest of the wharf. This will improve accessibility to the rest of the structure.

Mr. Hubbard stated: "Harbours need consistent maintenance for their safe and efficient operation. These projects underline the federal government’s determination to maintain viable, safe harbours in support of New Brunswick’s marine community."

These projects are being undertaken by the Department of Fisheries and Oceans, Small Craft Harbours Program, in close collaboration with the Harbour Authorities who manage and operate these facilities for the benefit of local users. It is this close cooperation with clients that enables the federal government to continue to provide an operable system of harbours and facilities throughout Canada in support of commercial fisheries.