Russell Welcomes Tourism and Recreation Funding for Straits and Labrador West

LABRADOR, July 30, 2009 — Labrador MP Todd Russell today welcomed nearly $800,000 in funding by the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency for several tourism and recreation projects in Labrador.

“Federal funding for these initiatives will go a long way to improving recreation and tourism infrastructure in Labrador communities,” Russell said. “I look forward to expedited work on these initiatives, not only to create employment in the short term, but to provide benefits for years to come.

In Labrador West, the Town of Labrador City has received $315,000 for improvements to the Labrador City arena, including the construction of a new addition to house refrigeration equipment, and the installation of decking to allow for the rink surface to be used for other recreational sports.

In the Labrador Straits, the Town of Red Bay has received over $180,000 to improve harbour-side facilities for cruise ship visits, improvements to the parking area and bus turnaround, and the development of marketing materials.

Also in the Straits, the Labrador Straits Historical Development Corporation has received nearly $300,000 for the construction of highway viewpoints and rest areas along the Labrador Pioneer Footpath.

Russell says that other interested communities or organizations in Labrador can still apply for funding for similar projects.

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Todd Russell, MP

Labrador

 (613) 996-4630