Wednesday, August 31, 2016 – The Minister Delegate for Maritime Affairs and Minister Responsible for the Bas-Saint-Laurent Region, Jean D’Amour, on behalf of the Minister of Transport, Sustainable Mobility and Electrification of Transportation, Laurent Lessard, has announced financial assistance of nearly $32,000 to the Trois-Rivières Port Authority for a study to model heavy vehicle traffic on port property.
This project is part of Component 2: Maritime Freight Transport Pilot Projects of the Support Program for Investment in Maritime Transport Infrastructure (see Annex). This study will allow the Trois-Rivières Port Authority to model current road traffic and simulate the expected increase in traffic in the coming months and years, particularly following the development of the Trois-Rivières industrial port area.
“The Port of Trois-Rivières handles a lot of cargo for companies in Quebec and North America. By optimising road traffic in its facilities, with shorter waiting and transit times, the port will certainly increase its productivity. This is good news for shippers and receivers, as this logistical efficiency gain will save them time and costs,” Lessard said.
“The Support Program for Investment in Marine Transportation Infrastructure is undoubtedly a guarantee of the success of the Marine Strategy, a lever for sustainable development for the regions of Quebec and a factor of economic vitality for many Quebec communities,” said Mr. D’Amour.
With a budget of $200 million until 2020, this program is intended for businesses, municipal organizations and any other organization interested in investing in marine transportation infrastructure with an establishment in Quebec.
Applicants must demonstrate that they have the expertise and financial capacity to carry out the project, including highlighting the success of their previous initiatives. The general credibility and support of the community is also appreciated.
The terms and conditions of the Marine Transportation Infrastructure Investment Support Program are available on the website of the Ministry of Transport, Sustainable Mobility and Electrification of Transportation at www.transports.gouv.qc.ca.
About the Marine StrategyLike the Northern Plan, the Marine Strategy is a major economic project for Quebec. It aims to make optimal and responsible use of Québec’s maritime potential, and includes various measures to enhance maritime transport, tourism and the marine resources of the maritime territory. By 2030, the Marine Strategy will generate several billion dollars in investments and 30,000 direct jobs in all regions of Quebec. Its action plan provides for investments of about $2.9 billion over the first five years.
To learn more about the Marine Strategy, or to view it, visit www.strategiemaritime.gouv.qc.ca.
– 30 –
Bottom of the thumbnail:
Ms. Chantal Baril, Professor, UQTR, Ms. Julie Boulet, Minister of Tourism and Minister responsible for the Mauricie region; Mr. Pierre-Michel Auger, MNA for Champlain; Mr. Jean-Denis Girard, MNA for Trois-Rivières; Mr. Mario De Tilly, Director General of Innovation, Trois-Rivières Economic Development (IDE); Mr. Jean D’Amour, Minister responsible for the Maritime Strategy and Minister responsible for the Bas-Saint-Laurent region; Mr. Gaétan Boivin, President and CEO of the Trois-Rivières Port Authority.