NR-HQ-00-51E

DHALIWAL ANNOUNCES $1.8 MILLION IN HARBOUR PROJECTS FOR SMALL CRAFT HARBOURS IN NEWFOUNDLAND

July 14, 2000

GANDER-GRAND FALLS – The Honourable Herb Dhaliwal, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans Canada, announced today that the federal government will invest $1.8 million in harbour projects at six Newfoundland fishing harbours – Bridgeport, Miles Cove, Jerseyside, Petty Harbour, Portugal Cove South and St. Brides in Newfoundland.

Bridgeport: This project consists of repairs to the wharf. A section of the wharf has reached the end of its life expectancy and must be replaced. The work will include the reconstruction of the deteriorated section as well as the replacement of the concrete deck on the remaining structure. Upon completion of the work, the wharf will be restored to full operational capabilities. The work is scheduled to begin in late fall and be completed by late spring of next year.

Miles Cove: This project consists of the reconstruction of the breakwater/wharf using treated timber. This structure has deteriorated to the point where sections of structures are unsafe. This work is scheduled to begin late this summer and be completed before winter.

Jerseyside: Under this project, repairs will be made to the fishermen’s wharf, marginal wharf and the east groyne. In addition, a floating dock will be constructed and installed to provide additional berthage space for small vessels using the harbour. This project will be carried out during the summer of this year.

Petty Harbour: This project will consist of rock blasting and dredging on the southern side of the harbour. Infilling coupled with increased vessel size has created a situation where access to facilities has become a problem for some fishers. Completion of this project will resolve the problem in one area of the harbour. Work is expected to commence in early summer and be completed by early fall.

Portugal Cove South: The existing slipway is in a state of disrepair. This project will see the construction of a new one which will accommodate the small boat fishers. Work is expected to commence this summer and be completed in the fall.

St. Brides: Work at this harbour will see a 17 meter section of marginal wharf, which has collapsed, being replaced with a new structure as well as the installation of floating docks in the new basin area. When completed, this work will add significantly to the berthage facilities in the harbour. The work will be carried out during the summer months.

"The completion of these projects will be of great benefits to the fishers of these communities providing them with a safer place to operate and a more efficient working environment for many years to come" said the Honourable Herb Dhaliwal.

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