Transportation in Labrador entered a new era with the completion of Phase I of the Trans-Labrador Highway (TLH), a high standard gravel road between Happy Valley-Goose Bay and Churchill Falls.

$56 million will be spent in 2000/01 for construction on Phase II of the project — the road between Red Bay and Cartwright.

About 400 people will be directly employed during Phase II, while others will benefit from the spin-off jobs created. This phase is expected to be completed in the summer of 2003.

The road from Mary's Harbour to Red Bay is now complete and a contract has been awarded for the winter maintenance of this section of highway.

Access to Charlottetown and Port Hope Simpson will be completed by fall 2001.

Government is committed to completing Phase III of the TLH, from Happy Valley-Goose Bay to Cartwright Junction.

In the spring of 2000, Government entered into a four-year, $17.8 million contract for the MV Apollo to service the St. Barbe-Blanc Sablon ferry route.

The MV Apollo is much larger than previous vessels and able to accommodate more tractor trailer and heavy equipment traffic.

During the peak operating months of July and August, passenger traffic increased 13 per cent in 2000 compared to 1999, while vehicle traffic — a significant portion of which was tractor trailers and heavy equipment — increased by 16 per cent.

Services continue to be provided by the MV Sir Robert Bond, the MV Northern Ranger, the MV Astron and the MV Nada.

Services have been maintained at a steady rate, although moretraffic is availing of road travel asa result of ongoing constructionof the Trans-Labrador Highway.

Twice a year, officials with the Department of Works, Services and Transportation visit and hold consultations with the communities using the coastal service.

On February 7, 2000, Government established a committee to make recommendations on the future transportation needs of coastal Labrador when Phase II of the Trans-Labrador Highway (Red Bay to Cartwright) is completed in 2003.

The seven-member committee held public consultation hearings in all affected communities, as Government felt it was essential for people affected by transportation issues to provide input and make recommendations on how the challenges can be addressed.

The committee's report to Government is expected in December 2000.

In 2000/01, Government will spend $390,000 for dock repairs in communities along coastal Labrador, and an additional $32,000 for diving inspections.