Senator Fabian Manning, on behalf of the Honorable Gail Shea, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, announced last week that the Government of Canada is investing in a harbor improvement project at Harbor Grace, Newfoundland and Labrador.
The project consists of the extension of a finger pier wharf to create a protected area for larger fishing vessels, to be completed over two years. This work will ensure that fishermen have additional safe berthing and offloading facilities. Construction is planned to start this fall and is expected to be completed by March 2016.
“ Small craft harbors are an integral part of coastal communities, much like Harbor Grace. After my visit in December, I am delighted that our government is addressing the concerns of the Harbor Grace Harbor Authority. It is of the utmost importance that we provide these hard-working fishermen a safe environment to profitably do their work ,” said the Honorable Gail Shea, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans .
Funding for this project is part of the Government of Canada’s investment of approximately $106 million in repair, construction, maintenance and dredging projects at small craft harbors across Canada. This includes $66 million in regular program funding for the Small Craft Harbors Program in 2014-15 and an additional $40 million over two years, as announced in Economic Action Plan 2014.
Other Newfoundland and Labrador Small Craft Harbors projects will be announced at a later date.