MI's SmartBay project receives Federal and Provincial support

The Marine Institute's SmartBay project featured prominently in a major funding announcement by the Government of Canada and the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador on March 23

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

SmartBay, an award-winning oceans observation system in Placentia Bay, was the recipient of $5 million in combined funding support from the two levels of government, with the Federal and Provincial Governments each contributing $2.5 million.

During the announcement, the Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of National Defense and Regional Minister for Newfoundland and Labrador, on behalf of the Honourable Chuck Strahl, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities, and the Honourable Susan Sullivan, Newfoundland and Labrador’s Minister of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development, announced new investments in infrastructure projects that will increase the efficiency of the transportation system, contributing to long-term economic prosperity in the province.

The Federal Government will contribute up to $15.68 million to these projects, while the Provincial Government’s contribution will amount to $14.43 million. The total value of the projects is in excess of $43 million.

“Building strong transportation infrastructure is an important part of Newfoundland and Labrador's future prosperity,” said Minister MacKay. “Our government is proud to partner with the Provincial Government to benefit thousands of people and to realize Newfoundland and Labrador’s full potential as a transportation corridor.”

“The Provincial Government is pleased to support projects that expand the capacity and efficiency of transportation infrastructure in Newfoundland and Labrador,” said the Honourable Susan Sullivan, Minister of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development. “By supporting improvements at the St. John’s and Gander International Airports, as well as the continued development of SmartBay in Placentia Bay, we are taking important steps in cementing the province’s position as a transportation hub in the north Atlantic, and inviting new opportunities for Newfoundland and Labrador’s business community. As a government, we also look forward to continuing to advance transportation infrastructure throughout Newfoundland and Labrador in collaboration with the Federal Government.”

The investments include the installation of a category III instrument landing system at St. John’s International Airport. Funding will also make it possible to construct a new roll-on/roll-off ramp at the Port of Argentia; rehabilitate the runway at Gander International Airport; and expand the SmartBay project of the Marine Institute by installing additional buoys and sensors to enhance marine traffic management in Placentia Bay.

Glenn Blackwood, executive director of the Marine Institute, represented MI at the announcement, which took place at the St. John’s International Airport. Federal support for these projects is from the Gateways and Border Crossings Fund, which is designed to support transportation and trade-related infrastructure at Canada’s strategic gateways and border crossings. Funding is conditional on meeting all applicable federal eligibility and approval requirements.