Port control shifted from Ottawa to local authorities

The federal government has announcedthey will turn the operation of three Newfoundland ports over to local authorities, and are including millions in cash to help do so.

In total, Ottawa will be giving $22-millionto help operate the ports locally.

The Long Pond Harbour authority is getting almost $13-million to take over the facility in Conception Bay South.

Ottawa is giving the Exploits Valley Port Corporation almost $9-million to run the dock in Botwood.

Agroup in Main Brook on Newfoundland's Northern Peninsula is getting more than $600,000 for the operation of the port in that community.

In a statement Friday, federal Transport Minister Lisa Raitt said handing over control to the locals is "in the best interest of these local communities."