Minister announces awarding of contracts for road work
in the Trinity North and Harbour Main-Whitbourne districts

Tom Rideout, Minister of Transportation and Works, today announced the awarding of contracts for road work in the Trinity North and Harbour Main-Whitbourne districts under the 2004-05 Provincial Roads Improvement Program.

"Our government continues to proceed with our roads improvement program," said the minister. "This year�s program, valued at $30 million, provides funding for improving the provincial highway network, as well as maintenance on the Trans Canada Highway. It also provides funds for the replacement of culverts."

Sun Construction Company Limited was recently awarded a contract valued at over $314,800 for the installation of a structural plate pipe arch at Salmon Cove River on Route 230 in the Trinity North district. This project is expected to be completed by late fall 2004.

MHA for Trinity North district Ross Wiseman said: "Government�s decision to increase the annual roads improvement program by $7 million allows us to properly respond to emergency situations like the erosion at the Salmon Cove River along route 230. Providing the people of this province with reliable infrastructure is a top priority for this government."

Road work planned for the Harbour Main-Whitbourne district includes the replacement of a culvert on Route 70 which is in the process of being carried out by Riverside Excavating Limited and valued at over $48,900. The replacement of a timber seawall on Route 70 at Clarke�s Beach is being carried out by Lyn-Gor Developments Incorporated and is valued at over $169,900. This project is expected to be completed within the next couple of weeks.

Tom Hedderson, Minister of Education and MHA for Harbour Main-Whitbourne district said: "I am pleased that these infrastructure improvements are being carried out in my district. Reliable infrastructure is an essential part of this government�s plan to revitalize rural communities. These improvements will increase public safety and provide economic opportunities for the area."

"We are building on a strong foundation that will enable the province to achieve its enormous potential," said the Minister Rideout. "We will continue to make smart investments where they will have the most positive impact and that are within our fiscal means to do so."

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 21                            4:30 p.m.