Funding increase for resource roads program

Rick Woodford, Minister of Forest Resources and Agrifoods, announced today a $600,000 increase in the department�s resource roads program for 2002-2003, bringing the total budget to $3 million. This is the second year the budget for resource roads has been increased for an overall budgetary increase of 50 per cent since 2000-2001.

Mr. Woodford said the increased funding demonstrates government�s continued commitment to prudent forestry management practices. "An effective and environmentally-sound resource roads program is key to the sustainable and prudent development of our valuable forest resources. Our resource roads program is an example of government�s dedication to sound forestry management practices that will ensure both economic benefits and ecological integrity."

The department�s 2002 forest access roads program will see approximately 46 kilometres of new forest access roads constructed on Crown land and an additional 16 kilometres re-constructed.

Minister Woodford added that the increase in funding will not only ensure enhanced access to our valuable timber stands, but will also help improve the province�s agriculture access roads network. "We are committed to an efficient and environmentally responsible resource roads network, which is essential to our sustainable development strategy," said Mr. Woodford.

Media contact: Sonia B. Glover, Communications, (709) 729-6183.

2002 03 21                              3:00 p.m.