Argentia Property and Port Returned to Community Ownership
Press Release - January 4, 2002
ARGENTIA, NEWFOUNDLAND AND LABRADOR - Public Works and Government
Services Canada (PWGSC) and the Argentia Management Authority (AMA)
reached an agreement that saw all remaining Government of Canada
property from the former United States Naval Facility, Argentia,
transferred to the AMA. The announcement was made today by the Hon.Brian
Tobin, Minister of Industry Canada, on behalf of the Hon. Alfonso
Gagliano, Minister of Public Works and Government Services Canada.
The agreement will transfer ownership of the Northside of
Argentia, the port facility and the Government of Canada portion
of the Northesast Arm Recreation Camp to the Argentia Management
Authority with a contribution over a 10-year period to subsidize
port operations. The agreement also allows for substantial port
infrastructure improvements to address health and safety issues
on that property.
"Today marks another milestone in Argentia's colorful history
as, after 60 years of Government ownership, we turn back this
important property to the people of the Placentia area" said Minister
Tobin. "This agreement will enable the Argentia Management Authority
to continue to pursue economic development opportunities for Argentia
and for the benefit of the people of this area. It also allows
Public Works and Government Services Canada to continue with the
environmental remediation of the site."
This is the second land transfer agreement between PWGSC and
the AMA. On May 12, 1999, ownership of the Southside and Backlands
area of the former U.S. Naval Facility was transferred to the
AMA, who have since opened an industrial park on the site.
The Government of Canada, through PWGSC, remains responsible
for the remediation of all U.S. Navy contamination in Argentia
under the 10 year, $81 million Argentia Environmental Remediation
Project. This remediation program is approximately 70 per cent
completed.
For further information, please contact:
Dan Green, Chairperson
(709) 227-5502
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