News Release Archive

TRANSPORTATION/PUBLIC WORKS--CORRECTION-(CNS264)
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EDITORS: The following is being reissued to correct quote in
fourth paragraph and second to last paragraph. Release first
issued Monday, March 24.

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 Monday 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 long down the road to privatization 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 commercialization and local control, 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.


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Contact: Public Affairs and Communications  902-424-8687

trp                      Mar. 25, 1997 - 12:45 p.m.