Ceremonial Shovels Mark New Beginning

TRANSPORTATION/PUBLIC WORKS--Ceremonial Shovels Mark New Beginning

Four shovels filled with clay marked a new beginning for economic development opportunities in the community of Inverness.

Premier John Hamm and Rodney MacDonald, Minister of Tourism and Culture, dropped pieces of clay onto the former Inverness coal mine site in a ceremony today, June 17, signalling the start of a long-awaited $2.3 million site reclamation project. They were joined by Danny Hector MacEachern and Owen Dan Gillis, two former miners who once worked at the Inverness site.

"We are investing the dollars our communities need to ensure we build long-term prosperity all across the province," said the premier. "I look forward to watching this investment grow into great things."

"This remediation project is key to future economic opportunities in this area," said Mr. MacDonald, speaking on behalf of Michael Baker, Minister of Transportation and Public Works. "I am proud we have helped kick-start future development in Inverness and the county."

The site, northwest of Inverness, once held an extensive underground coal mining operation.

The project involves capping of coal waste piles, placing a buffer layer over adjacent soils, demolition and removal of on- site debris, mine-shaft infilling, installation of environmental protection measures, and hydro-seeding.

Dexter Construction Ltd. was awarded the contract. It is expected to be completed by Oct. 15, 2003.