Letter to Editor
Top 10 reasons to invest in new ferry

As the new Government reflects on its priorities, there are 10 major reasons why construction should start in 2004 on a new ferry replacement program. The previous Government has already announced it received 2 local shipyard bids from the Fall 2003 Request for Proposals to build a 28-car and 160-passenger ferry.
With the Throne Speech pending, a long awaited green light for new ferry construction is essential. Pursuant to this RFP, one would hope Government would negotiate a long-term lease deal with a shipyard to meet this urgent need and provide a capital economic investment, while addressing decay in the 12 vessel provincially owned fleet.

New ferry-Top 10

1. ECONOMIC INVESTMENT-SHIPYARD SPIN-OFF: Ferry construction will provide a stimulus capital investment in the Provincial economy in shipbuilding.

2. SUSTAINING/ CREATING JOBS: Ferry construction will generate jobs and sustain/ generate industry and employment in over 40 rural towns.

3. VOTE OF CONFIDENCE - RURAL AREAS: New vessels in affected ferry serviced communities will enable industries including fish plants, small businesses and tourism operations to flourish.

4. COMMITMENT ENTRENCHED- BLUE BOOK: A new fleet replacement policy is entrenched in PC Blue Policy Book in 2003 as a high priority. The PC Opposition introduced in Nov 2001 a legislature member's resolution calling for new ferries to replace "rust buckets".

5. PLEAS FOR NEW FERRIES: Auditor General's Reports, Municipalities Federation resolutions and interest groups have repeatedly advocated new vessel construction.

6. FEDERAL 15% SUBSIDY: A Federal SFF shipbuilding subsidy is available to reduce construction costs by 15%.

7. LOW INTEREST COSTS: Rates are at record lows. Attractive leasing is available for 20-year financing with the first budget payment not due until completion in 2006.

8. SERVICES URGENTLY NEED NEW FERRIES: A desperate need is proven for a shared swing-vessel to serve many communities. The Hamilton Sound is 38 years old.

9. PUBLIC INTERESTS / SAFETY COMPROMISED: Many ferries are aged, unsafe, unreliable, and costly to operate/ refit. Many are constantly inoperative at the expense of rural economies.

10. END 15-YEAR FREEZE: Ferry operations are essential, not unlike policing, hospital care, and snow clearing services. After a 15-year funding freeze, vessel replacement is urgently needed.

The case for ferry investment is compelling.

Ed Kent CA