Advertisement

Nova Scotia to fund $1.5M in security upgrades to Maine’s CAT terminal

FILE - The CAT, a high-speed passenger ferry, connects Yarmouth, N.S. to Portland, Maine.
FILE - The CAT, a high-speed passenger ferry, connects Yarmouth, N.S. to Portland, Maine. Andrew Vaughan/ The Canadian Press

Nova Scotia is set to cover $1.5 million in the cost of security upgrades on the CAT terminal in Portland, Maine — clearing the way for the return of the ferry service between Nova Scotia and Maine for this season.

The money will be spent on security upgrades required by U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

READ MORE: Passenger numbers up despite engine troubles for Nova Scotia to Maine ferry

If the upgrades had not been funded, the U.S. border protection agency said it would end service at the facility as it no longer met federal services — effectively ending the ferry’s 2018 season before it even began.

For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen.

Get breaking National news

For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen.
By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

Nova Scotia’s Department of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal (TIR) told Global News on Thursday that funding will be used to “purchase license plate readers and radiation portal monitors.”

Story continues below advertisement

The $1.5 million in funding can be seen as a success considering what was originally on the table.

WATCH: Nova Scotia says low ferry numbers won’t put taxpayers on the hook for more cash

Click to play video: 'Nova Scotia says low ferry numbers won’t put taxpayers on the hook for more cash'
Nova Scotia says low ferry numbers won’t put taxpayers on the hook for more cash

“Initially, they had been seeking more than $7 million in upgrades for this season,” Marla MacInnis, a spokesperson with the department said.

A request for comment from Bay Ferries Ltd., who operates the CAT ferry, was not returned by time of publication.

Sponsored content

AdChoices