Marco Polo Project

Provincial Government Continues to Support the Re-creation of the Marco Polo with an Additional $20,000 Grant

    July 10, 2008 Saint John, NB – The Saint John Marco Polo II project has received a $20,000 boost thanks to the Provincial Government. The Honourable Ed Doherty, MLA for Saint John Harbour, was thrilled to present Barry Ogden of the Saint John Marco Polo project with a financial grant of $20,000 to assist with the completion of the Marco Polo II. The re-creation of the 150 year old tall ship has been a labour of love for Mr. Ogden and many volunteers for 21 years.
    “Saint John has a long and rich history based on the strong shipbuilders that helped put New Brunswick and Saint John on the map. The Marco Polo is perhaps the most famous ship our city ever produced and the many volunteers who have dedicated time, effort and money to this project are ensuring generations of families will be able to learn how Saint John grew from a small settlement to an industrial powerhouse,” stated Dr. Doherty. He went on to say, “it’s great to see the Province taking an active role in Saint John’s history and the effort to bring it back to life.”
   The Marco Polo II project has made steady progress since the first pieces of wood were put in place to for the hull. Presently, the vessel’s hull is nearly complete and will be moving to a new location at the Saint John Port in the new future. The grant from the Province’s Regional Development Corporation is meant to help cover the general costs of construction and materials and is the second such grant for the project. Last year, the RDC committed $20,000 to the project.
   “I would like to thank the provincial government for believing in our community and believing in the fact that we, as a community, are moving ahead. As a community, there is a new sense of pride and confidence and the Marco Polo's legacy is proof of this confidence,” commented Mr. Ogden. “The volunteers wish to thank the local MLA’s for their work and belief in our dreams.”
   The original Marco Polo was built in Saint John by local shipbuilder James Smith, who revolutionized shipbuilding with the design of the Marco Polo. The ship was the fastest of its time having circumnavigated the globe in 5 months 21 days and solidified Saint John’s place among the great shipbuilding locations in the world. The Marco Polo was first launched in 1851 and subsequently sank in 1883.
    “I understand that the eventual home for the finished ship will be on our re-vitalized waterfront. This will be a great day when our children will be able to learn first hand the history of Saint John and for the many visitors to see such our community’s dedication to our shared history.” Concluded Dr. Doherty.
   The Regional Development Corporation (RDC) is the provincial Crown Corporation that plans, coordinates and implements regional and economic development initiatives for the Province of New Brunswick.
   For more information visit: http://www.gnb.ca. Interested volunteers, or to make a donation to the project, please visit: http://www.new-brunswick.net/marcopolo
    We would also like to mention that the Carpentry Center of New Brunswick built our deck cabins and they are now finished. Thanks for the great job guy!

Media Contacts:
Scott Masters
Dr. Ed Doherty Constituency Office
643-7102

Barry Ogden
Marco Polo II
849-4650

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