Funding announced for improvements to the road leading to Sir Richard Squires Memorial Park

Premier Danny Williams and Kathy Goudie, MHA for the District of Humber Valley, today announced funding to make improvements to the road leading to Sir Richard Squires Memorial Park in Cormack.

"This park has played an important role in the economy of the Humber Valley region for more than 50 years. This area is a natural tourist attraction, and these improvements will have a positive impact on activity in the park and tourism generally in the region," said Premier Williams. "This funding also ensures better public access to forest access roads, the community pasture, hunting, fishing and adventure tourism areas, which will result in greater economic spin-off opportunities for the area. This is certainly a wonderful way to celebrate the 50^th anniversary of the Sir Richard Squires Memorial Park."

Government has allocated approximately $180,000 to upgrade 15 kilometers of the road from Cormack into the park. This will cover installation and grading of Class A road gravel.

MHA Kathy Goudie said, "People in my district have been calling for improvements to this road for years. I, too, have been a huge proponent of the project, and I am proud to be a member of a government that recognizes the economic significance of such infrastructure and has addressed these long-overdue improvements after just nine months in office. This kind of announcement, especially during times of fiscal restraint, illustrates government�s strong commitment to the people of Humber Valley and to the tourism industry of Newfoundland and Labrador."

Tourism has been a top priority for the Williams Government since taking office just nine months ago. In its inaugural budget, government maintained a campaign promise by increasing the tourism budget by $1 million more than the previous year and has committed to making further increases each year until marketing efforts match those of other Atlantic Provinces.

"The tourism industry in Newfoundland and Labrador has outstanding potential. In order to reach this potential, it is important that we continue to make strategic investments in infrastructure, such as funding for roads that lead to important tourism destinations. A healthy tourism industry will serve to assist us in achieving our fiscal goals for this province," said Premier Williams.

Media contact:

Elizabeth Matthews, Office of the Premier, (709) 729-3960
Billy Hickey, Government Members Offices, (709) 729-0898

2004 07 16                                         1:55 p.m.