July 22, 1999
(Works, Services and Transportation)

Province provides funding for depots on Trans Labrador Highway

Rick Woodford, Minister of Works, Services and Transportation, and Ernie McLean, Minister Responsible for Labrador and MHA - Lake Melville, announced today that the provincial government will provide $1.4 million for the construction of two maintenance depots on the Trans Labrador Highway between Happy Valley-Goose Bay and Labrador West. The funding will come from the Labrador Transportation Initiative Fund.

The announcement follows a Cabinet retreat held recently in Battle Harbour.

Mr. Woodford said: "The upgrading of the Trans Labrador Highway between Happy Valley-Goose Bay and Labrador West has resulted in a demand for an increased level of summer and winter maintenance on the road. We have decided to put maintenance depots between Wabush and Churchill Falls and between Churchill Falls and Happy Valley-Goose Bay. These depots will reduce the length of plow routes in winter and decrease travel time in summer. It also translates into indirect savings for government in terms of summer and winter maintenance costs."

Mr. Mclean said: "I am pleased that we are able to provide these depots on the Trans Labrador Highway. Not only do they enhance the ability to maintain and service the highway, these depots also provide shelter for stranded motorists in times of emergency."

Mr. Woodford said that construction is likely to commence next spring.

Media contact: John Doody, Communications, (709) 729-1983.

1999 07 22         3:10 p.m.