$3 million allocated to upgrade roads in southern Labrador communities

The provincial government has approved a total of $3 million to carry out a number of road improvement projects in several south coast communities over a two-year period. The funding was announced today by Labrador and Aboriginal Affairs Minister Ernest McLean, Works, Services and Transportation Minister Percy Barrett and Cartwright-L�Anse au Clair MHA Yvonne Jones.

"We are pleased to be able to provide this funding to ensure residents in southern Labrador are able to travel over quality road systems," said Mr. McLean. "These projects will include road upgrading, drainage improvements through ditching and culvert replacement, resurfacing of roads with crushed gravel and the installation and replacement of guide rails."

The funding will be allocated to St. Lewis, Charlottetown, Mary�s Harbour, Port Hope Simpson and Cartwright. Funding for the project will come from the Labrador Transportation Initiative Fund.

The minister also announced that an assessment will be carried out to determine a possible access route between Pinsent�s Arm and Charlottetown.

"During a recent visit to southern Labrador I heard first hand some of the concerns of area residents, and I�m pleased to be part of this announcement," said Mr. Barrett. "This funding demonstrates the province�s commitment to improving Labrador�s transportation infrastructure."

This funding will enable these south coast communities to gain better access to the Trans-Labrador Highway, said Ms. Jones.

"The upgrading of these roads is an integral part of the Trans-Labrador Highway project," she said. "With improved road systems, these communities will be in a much better position to take advantage of the economic and social opportunities associated with the Trans-Labrador Highway.

Media contacts: 
Bert Pomeroy, Labrador and Aboriginal Affairs, (709) 896-3099
Lynn Evans, Works, Services and Transportation, (709) 729-3015

2001 05 29                                                    2:50 p.m.