Economic and Rural Development and Tourism Minister Graham Steele will wrap up meetings today, Aug. 21, in Portland, Maine, where he advanced discussions on a new ferry service between Yarmouth and Maine.

While in Portland, Mr. Steele met with Maine Governor Paul LePage, Portland Mayor Michael Brennan, and other senior state officials. Mr. Steele also toured the Ocean Gateway Ferry Terminal, where a new ferry would dock in Portland.

"I'm really pleased with the response of the state and city leaders that I met with," said Mr. Steele. "They're excited about the prospect of a re-established ferry link, and are ready to do their part to make to make it happen."

In addition to the meetings with Governor LePage and Mayor Brennan, Mr. Steele met with representatives from the Maine Department of Transportation, the Portland Regional Chamber of Commerce, State of Maine Tourism, the Maine International Trade Center and the Maine Port Authority.

Three companies submitted business plans to operate the ferry service from Yarmouth to Maine. After an evaluation team of representatives of the Nova Scotia International Ferry Partnership and the province reviewed the plans, they recommended the province enter into negotiations with STM Quest Inc., a proposed joint venture of ST Marine Ltd. and Quest Navigation. Those negotiations have begun.