|
NLIS 6 September 12, 2003 (Works, Services and Transportation) Premier officially opens Red Bay - Cartwright highway Premier Roger Grimes will officially open the Red Bay to Cartwright section of the Trans-Labrador Highway tomorrow, marking the beginning of some great opportunities for the south coast region of Labrador. The premier is holding ribbon cuttings and ceremonies at various locations along the route to mark the event. "This is such a significant milestone for Labrador, and really, for the entire province," said the Premier. "This is not just a highway; it is a door that has opened to economic development for another rural region of the province." The Premier was joined by Labrador and Aboriginal Affairs Minister Wally Andersen, Works, Services and Transportation Minister Jim Walsh and Cartwright-L�Anse au Clair MHA, Yvonne Jones. Labrador MP Lawrence O�Brien, municipal leaders and residents of the area also participated in the event. Construction of the Red Bay to Cartwright section of the Trans Labrador Highway began in the summer of 1999. Government invested $135 million into constructing the highway and access roads to St. Lewis and Charlottetown � a total of 410 kilometres. "This is a significant event for the people of southern Labrador and, indeed, the entire province," said Minister Andersen. "Today�s official opening of this section of the Trans Labrador Highway re-enforces government�s commitment to the people of Labrador to improve the region�s transportation systems." "Today we celebrate the efforts of those who worked very hard in getting this road built and therefore helped improve transportation in Labrador," said Minister Walsh. "Constructing this highway has been a major project for my department and we look forward to starting construction on the next phase of the highway between Happy Valley-Goose Bay and Cartwright junction." Yvonne Jones, MHA for the District of Cartwright - L�Anse au Clair said: " We have always been restrained in our economic potential because of isolation. This is a major step to eliminating the predominant barrier creating a climate for the future that allows prosperity. The people of coastal Labrador have fought previous governments for years to have this highway. Finally we are celebrating it. We will continue with the road connection to Pinsent�s Arm in the summer of 2004 and complete the environmental assessment, routing and engineering work on the William�s Harbour Road this year. I am very supportive of government�s efforts to continue to improve transportation in the region." In its 2002-03 budget, the provincial government committed to constructing a highway between the Cartwright junction and Happy Valley-Goose Bay, the final link which will connect western and central Labrador with the south coast. Environmental work on phase three is proceeding, with construction anticipated to commence next summer. Media contact:
2003 09 12 3:20 p.m. |
||
|
