For immediate release BAY BULLS, April 4, 2005 -- An $8,001,125 competitive contract awarded to Northland Contracting Inc., of Bay Bulls, will see a new wharf constructed at Argentia, Newfoundland and Labrador. This announcement was made by the Honourable R. John Efford, Minister of Natural Resources and Regional Minister for Newfoundland and Labrador, on behalf of the Honourable Scott Brison, Minister of Public Works and Government Services Canada. The new facility, which replaces the existing, barricaded wharf, fulfills the Government of Canada's commitment to infrastructure upgrades made under the 2001 Northside Land and Port Transfer Agreement with the Argentia Management Authority (AMA). It also addresses health and safety concerns with the existing structure. "This new facility enhances the economic potential for the Port of Argentia, enabling greater prosperity for the surrounding area," said Minister Efford. "When the Government of Canada became custodian of Argentia in 1994, it was mandated to remediate the site and return it to the community so commercial/industrial development could proceed. We did that with the 2001 land and port transfer and we are pleased to see development is happening. This new port facility is just one more catalyst the community can use in its efforts to rebuild." Northland Contracting Inc. will design and construct a 130 linear metre reinforced concrete caisson structure at Argentia to accommodate vessels with up to 50,000 tonne weight displacement. This will incorporate a fendering and mooring system, roll on-roll off provisions, and a concrete reinforced deck for heavy lifts up to 50 tonnes. The design will also include overhead lighting and provisions for future electrical and mechanical works. Work should be completed by late November 2005. Funding for this contract was provided for in the March 2004 Federal Budget and is in addition to funding provided for the ongoing Argentia Environmental Remediation Project. For information on contracting opportunities with the Government of Canada, visit www.merx.com, Canada's official, public sector electronic tendering service. - 30 - For further information, media may contact: Renée David Press Secretary Office of Minister Brison (819) 997-5421 Pierre Téotonio Senior Media Relations Advisor PWGSC (819) 956-2310 Tom Ormsby Director of Communications Office of Minister Efford (613) 996-2007
