MIRAMICHI (GNB) – The provincial and federal governments are investing more than $541,667 towards major infrastructure improvements to Gordon's Wharf in lower Newcastle.

Tilly O'Neill-Gordon, MP for Miramichi and Serge Robichaud, MLA for Miramichi Bay-Neguac, on behalf of Economic Development Minister Paul Robichaud, made the announcement today.

"Investing in infrastructure improvement projects such as this one is important for the community and the region," said Robichaud on behalf of Economic Development Minister Paul Robichaud.

"Our government's top priority is jobs, growth and long-term prosperity for Canadians," said O'Neill-Gordon on behalf of Bernard Valcourt, minister of state for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) and La Francophonie. "Investments in projects like Gordon's Wharf contribute to local economic growth by enhancing the quality of the services available to area residents and attracting new visitors to the region."

The project includes a new 37-meter floating dock system and ramps to access the docks. The site will be upgraded with a longer boat ramp, security fencing, a paved parking lot, a storage building and automated toll booth. Once the upgrades are complete, Gordon's Wharf will have the capacity to accommodate pleasure boaters from away, which will help increase tourism activity at other local attractions and businesses.

"Gordon's Wharf Inc. is extremely happy with the provincial and federal governments' funding toward the improvements to our facility at lower Newcastle," said Stanley Knowles, president of Gordon's Wharf Miramichi Inc. "Our group has been working diligently to improve this property, so that the public of this region can enjoy the wharf and facilities surrounding this valuable community asset."

The federal government, through ACOA, is contributing $441,657 to the project under the Innovative Communities Fund, while the provincial government is investing $100,000. Gordon's Wharf Miramichi Inc. is contributing $67,526.


24-05-12