Scramble on to keep $100M Hebron contract in N.L.

The scramble is on to find a way to keep a $100-million contract for the Hebron project from slipping out of theprovince.

The Hebron agreement promises as much work for local fabrication facilities as they can handle.

Now that Kiewitsays it can handle only one Hebron module instead of two at its Marystown yard, the search is on for a replacement.

The big question remains whether the work can be done inside the province.

Hebron operator ExxonMobil is expected to announce its decision next week.

David Haire of Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters says the province is competing with big projects out west.

"Alberta has announced $138 billion worth of contracts over the next eight to 10 years, so I think we will have to look for innovative and creative solutions," he said.

The oil sands boom in Alberta has attracted skilled labour from Newfoundland and Labrador for years,and Haire said thattrend that is set to intensify.