The re-development of Alberni's Fishermen's Wharf is a step closer to being.
On Friday, federal fisheries minister Keith Ashfield announced that the government is investing $57 million to repair and maintain small craft harbours across Canada, a federal news release noted.
A floating wharf project in Port Alberni is among those being funded, a background document noted.
The release wasn't specific about how much money the Alberni project was receiving.
When contacted by the News, a federal fisheries spokesperson said that releasing the exact amount might compromise the project's tendering process before it starts.
The news came as a surprise to the Port Alberni Port Authority.
“We haven't heard about this yet so I can't comment,” spokesperson Dave McCormick said.
Port manager Brad Madelung was away on business and not available for comment.
The re-development was the subject of an update at a city council meeting earlier this year.
The funding is likely for the re-development of Fishermen's Wharf, city economic development manager Pat Deakin said.
“That amount could be the Small Craft Harbours contribution to the project,” Deakin said.
Announced last year, the $7 million project included a 50-foot wide by 450-foot long floating breakwater to the south side of the harbour.
Other additions included land for additional parking, a new icing facility, fuel depot, float plane docking facility and another service bay float for boats.
Also envisioned is a cruise ship spot to host tendering and small cruise vessels that can also serve as a location for public use.
The project was to be underwritten with a combination of federal and provincial funding, with an application for funding from ICE-T in the queue.
The port authority and Small Craft Harbours were to kick in money of their own.
reporter@albernivalleynews.com
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