Department of Fisheries and Oceans
News Release

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Released: 06 March, 2001

Hubbard Announces Federal Funding For The Clean-Up And Repair Of Harbours Damaged By Last OctoberÂ's Storm In The Riding Of Miramichi, New Brunswick

March 6, 2001

MIRAMICHI Â- Charles Hubbard, Member of Parliament for the constituency of Miramichi, announced today on behalf of the Honourable Herb Dhaliwal, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, that the Government of Canada will invest funding in the order of $1.4 million for the clean-up and repair of several fishing harbours that were damaged in the October storm in the Miramichi riding of New Brunswick.

"This investment demonstrates the federal governmentÂ's commitment to maintain viable and safe harbours in support of coastal communities in New Brunswick," said Mr. Hubbard. "The repair projects are important to those communities that will depend on the harbours to carry out their fishing activities next spring."

Wharves, many already in poor condition, were severely damaged by the storm. This included sheared copewalls and the complete destruction of wooden decks, fender systems and ladders.

At Escuminac, a rubblemound protection has already been placed on the exterior face of the wharf. Work in progress includes the reconstruction of a 30-metre wharf section and various repairs to the spraywall and deck over an adjacent 140-metre section of the wharf. This work is expected to be completed by the end of May 2001.

Dredging is being undertaken at Pointe-Sapin in order to ensure fishers have safe navigating access to their harbour by the end of April 2001. Some wharf repairs are also planned during the spring months.

The floating wharves at Neguac were repaired as a result of the storm damage. In addition, engineering and environmental studies are being initiated with a view to an eventual expansion of the harbour.

At Bay du Vin, a project to repair the wharf deck is currently in the works.

Minor repairs will be undertaken at the Burnt Church wharf to ensure that it is usable and safe prior to the start of the next fishing season.

Maintenance was also carried out at Cap St-Louis and Loggiecroft.

"I commend the local harbour authorities, which immediately went ahead with the clean-up and minor repairs while waiting for government support," said Mr. Hubbard. "Their actions reflect the local communitiesÂ' willingness to be involved in and take charge of their harbour facilities."

All of the projects are being carried out by the federal Department of Fisheries and Oceans, as part of its Small Craft Harbours program, in cooperation with the harbour authorities, which manage and operate the facilities for local users. Such close cooperation with clients allows the federal government to continue to provide an operable system of harbours and facilities throughout Canada in support of commercial fishers.

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