News Release Archive
TRANSPORTATION/PUBLIC WORKS-FACT FINDING MISSION IN GREAT BRITAIN ----------------------------------------------------------------- Nova Scotia Transportation and Public Works Minister Don Downe is seeking better ways to boost Nova Scotia's transportation network by examining British technology and financing innovation. Mr. Downe is leading a fact-finding mission accompanied by business executives and senior staff to explore new options for building and maintaining highway infrastructure through public-private partnering. He is also scheduled to examine the fast ferries of Britain's Condor Marine Services and meet with officials of the British Airport Authority. Meetings began today and are scheduled for the rest of the week. "The British are world leaders in many facets of the transportation world," said Mr. Downe. "They are using innovative financing to build and maintain their motorways and have travelled down the long road to commercialization and local control of airports." Mr. Downe will also be studying the fast ferries that service the Channel Islands. "This technology has great potential for use in Nova Scotia's service from Yarmouth to Maine or from Digby to Saint John," said Mr. Downe. "Faster ferry crossings provide a substantial incentive for business and can make ocean tourism much more attractive." Mr. Downe is meeting with members of the British Airport Authority, a publicly traded company that owns and operates seven airports in the United Kingdom and manages other airports overseas. "With Nova Scotia's three airports in Sydney, Yarmouth and Halifax heading for privatization, there could be valuable lessons to learn," said Mr. Downe. Mr. Downe said that Nova Scotia has established itself as a leader in Canada with the Highway 104 Western Alignment public-private partnership. "I'm excited about learning what makes the British world leaders in transportation," he said. -30- Contact: Public Affairs and Communications 902-424-8687 trp Mar. 24, 1997 - 4:05 p.m.