The Newfoundland and Labrador Transportation and Works said that it committed more than $110 million to the vessel replacement strategy in 2013.
The provincial government wants to build new ferries and improve marine transportation infrastructure.
“Ferry service is fundamental to the economic and social well-being of many communities in our province and the provincial government is fully committed to delivering on vessel replacement plans in order to continue to meet the long-term needs of our ferry-dependent communities. Our investments of over $110 million are testimony to that commitment,” Minister of Transportation and Works Nick McGrath said in a statement.
The province signed contracts to build two new 80-metre vessels to service Fogo Island-Change Islands and Bell Island, representing a total investment of $100.5 million. In order to accommodate the new larger vessel on the Bell Island run, wharf upgrades are necessary at both Bell Island and Portugal Cove.
A commitment of $10 million was made in 2013 to fund these infrastructure upgrades and work will begin in 2014.
In addition, the provincial government issued a request for proposals (RFP) to secure a single contractor to provide comprehensive marine transportation services to Labrador over a 15-year term.
