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Minister announces awarding of contracts for Phase III of Trans Labrador Highway Tom Rideout, Minister of Transportation and Works, today announced the awarding of three contracts for Phase III of the Trans Labrador Highway. Minister Rideout said, "This government is committed to the completion of the Trans Labrador Highway and serving the transportation needs of the people of Labrador. I recently had a meeting with my federal counterpart where I indicated that the completion of this highway is the highest priority for government." Johnson Construction of Pasadena has been awarded a contract valued at $6.9 million to grade approximately 27 kilometres of Route 500 from the Cartwright Junction toward Happy Valley-Goose Bay. Work has already commenced on this section of road. Johnson Construction has also been awarded a contract valued at over $7.85 million to grade approximately 28 kilometres of Route 500 from Happy Valley-Goose Bay toward Cartwright Junction. RDN Construction Limited of Paradise has been awarded a contract valued at over $20.9 million for the construction of the Churchill River Bridge. These three contracts represent over $35 million in road work for the residents of Labrador. Statistics Canada estimates that for every million dollars spent on road work, 12 direct and eight indirect jobs are created. "Work will continue on these projects for the remainder of this construction season and will carry over into the spring. Last season, we were able to do road work in Labrador until early December," said Minister Rideout. Lake Melville District MHA John Hickey said, "I am pleased that tenders have been awarded and work is set to immediately begin on Phase III of the Trans Labrador Highway. The faster we can complete this phase, the faster we can concentrate on the many other economic development opportunities here in Labrador. I am also pleased that this project will provide many employment opportunities and other economic benefits for my district and indeed all of Labrador." "We are diligently working on an infrastructure strategy for the province and road transportation in Labrador is a critical component of the province�s infrastructure," said Minister Rideout. "The strategy will be evidence-based and support government in effectively managing our assets. Our investments will be made where they will have the most positive impact and within our fiscal means to do so." Minister Rideout went on to say, "This government has a plan to build on our resources, grow the economy and create jobs. I myself had the opportunity to recently view the routing of the highway and I believe it will become a beautiful, scenic stretch of highway, full of economic potential for the residents of Labrador. I look forward to the completion of this highway." Media contact: Lori Lee Oates, Communications, (709) 729-3015 or (709) 690-8403 2004 09 17 1:15 p.m. |
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