NB 1421
Nov. 17, 2006
GRAND MANAN (CNB) - A ferry will operate four times daily year-round between the island of Grand Manan and the mainland, starting Saturday, Nov. 18.
Premier Shawn Graham joined Transportation Minister Denis Landry and Fisheries Minister Rick Doucet to make the announcement today.
"Our government committed to implementing a year-round fourth trip to and from Grand Manan," Graham said. "We are pleased to deliver on that commitment today. A year-round fourth trip has long been a priority for the island's economic development and for the quality of life of all island residents."
Graham said that the year-round fourth trip will mean an additional 160 crossings per year for the MS Grand Manan V, at an added cost of about $600,000.
Landry provided an update on the Grand Manan Ferry Services Project. On Aug. 15, the Department of Transportation issued a request for qualifications (RFQ) to design and build new ferries for Grand Manan and White Head islands, to operate the service, and maintain the vessels and associated wharves for 15 to 20 years.
Landry said that the RFQ resulted in responses from Coastal Transport Ltd., NFL Holdings Ltd. and Kent Lines Ltd.
"The department is hard at work evaluating the responses we have received," Landry said. "We plan to announce the teams that have qualified to advance to the Request for Proposals phase of the project next month."
Landry also committed to providing islanders with an opportunity to make suggestions about the new ferry. He said that residents would be able to offer their ideas to department officials at an open house scheduled from 5 to 9 p.m. on Dec. 4 at the North Head Hall. He also advised that residents unable to attend the open house could provide their suggestions by Dec. 8 to Eric Allaby, a former MLA with extensive knowledge and work experience related to the Grand Manan ferry service.
06/11/17
MEDIA CONTACT: Tracey Burkhardt, director of communications, Transportation, 506-453-5634.
06/11/17
