Minister announces awarding of contracts for bridge and 
road work in St. George�s-Stephenville East and Topsail districts

Tom Rideout, Minister of Transportation and Works, today announced the awarding of contracts for bridge and road work in St. George�s-Stephenville East and Topsail districts under the 2004-05 Provincial Roads Improvement Program.

Can-Am Construction 2004 Limited of Mount Pearl has been awarded a contract valued at over $294,800 for the rehabilitation of Harry�s River Bridge and the timber deck replacement on a steel panel bridge located on Grand Codroy River, in the District of St. George�s-Stephenville East.

Joan Burke, MHA for St. George�s-Stephenville East District said, "I am very pleased to see this contract awarded. Not only will this work increase passenger safety on these bridges, it demonstrates the beginning of a much needed, long-term investment in road infrastructure in this province."

In addition, Farrells Excavating Limited has been awarded a contract valued at over $413,900 for the recapping of a section of road along Route 60, as well as the provision of a curb, gutter and storm sewer system.

MHA for Topsail District Beth Marshall said, "I am very pleased that the awarding of this contract will provide the much needed improvements along this section of Route 60. These improvements will certainly improve public safety and make traveling throughout the Topsail area far more enjoyable. They will also substantially address concerns expressed by parents whose children walk to Topsail Elementary. I would like to thank Minister Rideout for his support and look forward to further improvements over the next two or three years. I also welcome the economic benefits this project will provide for the area."

"The Williams� Government has made great progress in the first year of our mandate by making key decisions with respect to critical areas of need, including a $30 million roads program," said Minster Rideout. "We remain committed to getting our economy growing in a way that generates more jobs, investment, diversification and revenue here in our own communities."

These contracts combined represent over half million dollars in road work. Statistics Canada estimates that for every million dollars spent on road work, 12 direct and eight indirect jobs are created.

Media contact: Lori Lee Oates, Communications, (709) 729-3015 or (709) 690-8403

2004 10 20                      10:20 a.m.