No. A001/03For release - March 28, 2003
STEPHENVILLE, NL — Transport Minister David Collenette today announced the official transfer of the ownership of the Stephenville Public Wharf from the Government of Canada to the Port Harmon Authority Ltd.
"Port Harmon Authority Ltd. is to be congratulated for joining the move towards a new era of port management," said Mr. Collenette. "Having this facility run by local people, who best know its role in the community and its potential for growth, will allow it to function in a more commercial and cost-effective manner."
As part of the transfer agreement, the Government of Canada will provide a financial contribution of $7.49 million to the Port Harmon Authority. Part of this contribution, or $3.49 million, will be used exclusively for the operation and maintenance of the port facility and the remainder, or $4.0 million, will be used exclusively for capital projects related to the port facility.
The Port Harmon Authority Ltd., originally known as the Stephenville Port Authority, is a locally based company that was created to negotiate the transfer of the Port of Stephenville.
The transferred property includes a 293-metre long and 11-metre wide marginal wharf, a 6,700-square metres marshalling yard, a 360-hectares water lot and the protective breakwaters located on the north and south side of the entrance to the port.
Transport Canada's Port Divestiture Program was established in 1996, as part of the National Marine Policy, with the objective of transferring Regional/Local port sites to other interests. In some cases, ports are being transferred as operating ports; in other cases, Crown land and facilities are being transferred to interested parties for other uses.
"The National Marine Policy enables ports to respond more effectively to the needs of their customers," said Mr. Collenette. "The better use of transportation infrastructure in this manner will ultimately help increase trade, tourism and job creation."
The Port of Stephenville was one of Transport Canada's Regional/Local ports, which range from large facilities that support significant local and regional commercial activity to very small facilities with little or no commercial traffic.
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Contact:
Tracey HennesseyCommunications, St. John's, NL(709) 772-6197
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