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Saint John port may refuse cruise ships
Port Authority says government funding is needed to upgrade facilities
Last Updated: Tuesday, July 6, 2010 | 2:14 PM AT Comments28Recommend16CBC News
Saint John may have to start turning away cruise ships as early as next year unless it lands new government funding, according to the Saint John Port Authority.

The port authority is looking to expand and refurbish some of its terminals in order to keep up with bigger cruise ships, a project that is estimated to cost $18.6 million.

Stephen Campbell, the chairman of the Saint John Port Authority, said they are in talks with government officials now and he hopes an announcement will be made within the year. But if the port is unsuccessful in tapping into any government funds it may need to turn away cruise ships.

"We need a commitment to infrastructure regardless of what government comes in and we need that soon," Campbell said.

"Next year, we will be in the dubious position to say to cruise ships that bring in over 200,000 passengers to southern New Brunswick that we might not be able to accommodate you. And the reason for that is that these ships are getting bigger and they're getting longer. "

The port authority is asking for $4.6 million from each level of government to complete the project.

Port money
The Saint John Port Authority had been the only Canadian port not to receive federal infrastructure funding before Tuesday.

However, the provincial government committed to invest $700,000 to refurbish Rodney Terminal this summer. That investment will cover half of the project's total cost.

"This project will help the Port of Saint John provide even better service to the many shipping and trucking companies that depend on the port for business," said Supply and Services Minister Ed Doherty in a statement.

A news conference was held on Tuesday to indicate that tenders have been issued for the work but the provincial funding was announced by Premier Shawn Graham on June 10.

Campbell said the infusion of provincial money will help the port authority fund its needed upgrades but it is still not enough.

"We were very appreciative of the announcement [Tuesday] but we've got to go to this next step,' Campbell said.

"We're looking to the provincial and the federal government to step in and support this vital industry ... that to date they have not contributed to."


Read more: http://www.cbc.ca/canada/new-brunswick/story/2010/07/06/nb-saint-john-port-142.html#ixzz0t2nXZvRc