Correcting information on Mobile high school plan

I am writing to address several points made in the article of Sept. 2 regarding the extension project to Mobile Central High School. It is critical that the school community and all parents are provided with accurate information.

The article of Sept.2 relayed information on project timelines and tenders which must be corrected. Budget 2017, as part of the Multi-year Plan for Infrastructure Investments http://www.tw.gov. nl.ca/works/infrastructureplan. pdf, allocated $5.3 million for the extension to the high school with funding allocated for 2018/19 for completion of the project.

Since the extension was announced in 2016, it has been communicated that the project will be going to tender later this year with completion anticipated for fall 2018.

This timeline has not changed and it is fully expected the final costs will be in line with the budget pending the outcome of the construction tender.

Planning for the extension is completed and a floor plan is in place which fits within the existing property boundaries while meeting classroom size requirements. This work is followed by two tenders. The first is for the relocation of a transformer and the water line.

This tender has been awarded and as noted above, the work is about to begin. The second tender is for the construction of the extension and will be issued by the end of September.

Engineers and consultants on the projects have advised that there will be no disruption of the cemetery due to construction.

Our government is committed to making investments in infrastructure that support core public services for all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians.

At all times it is imperative that everyone ensures accurate information is being relayed and only the facts are informing debate. Steve Crocker

Minister of Transportation and Works