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March 22, 2000
(Works, Services and Transportation)


Another banner year planned for road and capital works construction

Government continues to make major investments in roads and capital works programs, lending further support to Newfoundland and Labrador�s growing construction industry.

"Our economy, and particularly the construction industry, is doing extremely well right now," said Rick Woodford, Minister of Works, Services and Transportation. "I believe our investment in transportation and capital works reflects and supports that growth." Today Woodford announced details of expenditures government will make in 2000/2001 toward improving the province�s transportation and building infrastructure programs.

A recurring theme raised in the provincial government�s Jobs and Growth consultations was investment in transportation. This year, government will invest the most ever in constructing and improving the province�s highways and roads. A total of $132.5 million will be spent in 2000/2001, an increase of $14.5 million over last year. Last month, government announced the province will receive $56 million in highway funding under the Trans Canada Highway and regional trunk roads initiatives. The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador will add $16 million under the provincial capital roads program to upgrade and rebuild highways throughout the island.

Government will also continue to make significant investments in Labrador�s transportation infrastructure. This year, $56 million will be spent on phase two of the Trans Labrador Highway for the construction of a highway from Red Bay to Cartwright. An additional $1.5 million has been allocated for the construction of two highway depots, at the halfway points between Happy Valley-Goose Bay and Churchill Falls and Churchill Falls and Labrador City. This year�s projects will create seasonal employment for almost 800 people. The Minister�s Committee on Future Transportation Needs in Southeastern Labrador was recently established and will receive $30,000 from the Labrador Transportation Initiative Fund to look at Labrador�s marine, air and road transportation requirements. The committee will hold meetings over the next several weeks to get input from the public.

Government will spend $280,000 in 2000/2001 for wharf repairs in Postville and Hopedale and $6 million over the next two years in upgrades to existing municipal roads in northern Labrador communities. Works, Services and Transportation will spend $3 million of this amount in 2000/2001 for roads in Makkovik and Nain.

"Government has made a strong commitment to improving Labrador�s transportation infrastructure," said Ernie McLean, Minister Responsible for Labrador. "People have increasing confidence about economic and social opportunities for the region. We are very excited about the Labrador of the future."

Government will also continue to make major investments in the province�s public building infrastructure. Works, Services and Transportation will manage the design and construction activities for other departments for projects valued at some $101 million. This includes responsibility for the development of new facilities and alterations and improvements to existing facilities. In addition, the department will receive over $5 million for improvements and renovations to other public buildings.

The Department of Works, Services and Transportation is also focused on improving services for the people of the province by dedicating more funding to air and marine transportation. This year government will invest $1.575 million into the operation of the island�s air ambulance service. This is an increase of $400,000 from 1999/2000.

Government will spend an additional $2.3 million on ferry vessel modifications and repairs. This includes $1.3 for the Canadianization and refit of the Hull 100, scheduled to begin operation in fall 2000. Government has allotted $1 million for the reconstruction of the provincial Bell Island wharf. This year the province will also spend $250,000 on wharves in Ramea and South East Bight.

"The department has the responsibility of managing the province�s public infrastructure and placing resources where they will be of most benefit to taxpayers," said Woodford. "I feel strongly that we�ve accomplished that in this budget."

Media contact: Lynn Evans, Communications, (709) 729-3015.

2000 03 22 


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