NLIS 62
March 21, 2002
(Works, Services and Transportation)


Government continues major investment in infrastructure;
Another community to be linked to Trans Labrador Highway

The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador has committed to making major improvements to the province�s infrastructure in 2002. Works, Services and Transportation Minister Percy Barrett announced planned investments today.

"Through the Jobs and Growth consultations, the people of Newfoundland and Labrador said improvements to transportation infrastructure are a priority. Developing our infrastructure is a priority for this government, as well," said Barrett.

The provincial government will invest $22 million in a provincial roads program this year. "We recognize there is a need for upgrades to roads and that is why we are investing funds where they are seriously needed - local roads," said Barrett.

Barrett said another $20 million will be spent on the continued construction of the Trans Labrador Highway to complete Phase Two, from Red Bay to Cartwright. "This will be a very exciting year for Labrador. This funding will allow us to open the highway as far as Cartwright this fall, which will mean the completion of Phase Two. This certainly is a milestone for this government, which is committed to seeing the construction of a continuous road link through Labrador."

Included in the $20 million investment is $3 million to begin construction of a road connecting Pinsent�s Arm to the Trans Labrador Highway. "This will certainly be welcome news to the people of Pinsent�s Arm. When the two year project is completed, the residents will be able to access other communities in the area and, for the first time, will be able to welcome visitors into their community via a highway," said Barrett.

Barrett said there will be a number of other roads projects occurring in Labrador this year. In total $2.6 million has been allocated to carry out various projects. Government will spend $300,000 to finish upgrading roads in Rigolet and $500,000 for the continued resurfacing of Northwest River Road. Another $1.8 million will be spent to improve roads in the southern Labrador communities of Port Hope Simpson and Cartwright, and to finish upgrading roads in Charlottetown and Mary�s Harbour.

As well, the province has committed $394,000 in new funding for winter maintenance on the newly opened sections of the Trans Labrador Highway between Port Hope Simpson and Cartwright. Total expenditure on summer and winter maintenance on Routes 500 and 510 will be $4.5 million.

Government has committed an additional $100,000 for snowmobile trail grants for Labrador.

Government will continue to invest in infrastructure with an extensive construction and upgrading program for schools, hospitals and other public buildings. In 2002-2003, the Department of Works, Services and Transportation will manage approximately $80 million in such construction projects, following up on an $87 million program in 2001-2002. Government will also continue to invest $4 million in improvements to public buildings, covering such areas as preventive maintenance, air quality, energy efficiency and security.

Barrett said the level of activity planned for the department for the coming year demonstrates government�s commitment to improving the province�s infrastructure and to creating an environment which encourages private sector growth. "Including provincial and federal investments, over $80 million in road work will be carried out in the province this year. Approximately the same amount will be spent on constructing and upgrading schools, hospitals and other public buildings. The majority of that work will be carried out through contracts with private industry, which will be beneficial to the province�s overall economy."

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

2002 03 21                              3:30 p.m.


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