Minister says snow clearing equipment was underfunded by previous administration

Tom Rideout, Minister of Transportation and Works, today said that snow clearing equipment was underfunded by the previous administration. "It is unfortunate government�s snow clearing equipment does break down more than we would like. However, as I have said previously, this is the effect of years of neglect and underfunding by the previous administration. I have asked for additional funds in next year�s budget to begin addressing this matter.

"Our government is committed to providing a roads network that is safe. To that end, we purchased 16 new pieces of equipment last year. This government will continue to utilize our equipment as efficiently and effectively as possible and replace it as soon as it is fiscally responsible to do so.

"We recently had a lot of snow in a short period of time, that wasn�t forecasted, on the Avalon peninsula. While clearing roads in the Pouch Cove area, one of our of trucks broke down. We subsequently sent in another truck to replace it. There are three plows for four runs in the Pouch Cove area. We unfortunately currently have one truck out of service that is now being worked on."

The Department of Transportation and Works made at least three runs in Pouch Cove on Friday, March 4. Our crews were on the road at 4:30 a.m. on Friday and continued to work until 9:30 p.m. after the storm had ended. All main roads were cleared by Friday evening and all road work was done by Saturday.

"My department did not eliminate 13 highway maintenance workers. We did, however, change 13 management positions from year-round to winter-seasonal. There was no impact on the number of our staff who are dedicated to maintaining our roads during the winter season," said Minister Rideout. "We have the same number of resources assigned to winter maintenance this year as were assigned in previous years. It is misleading to suggest otherwise."
"I can assure the people of our province that when weather conditions are adverse, every available piece of equipment is on our roads and we contract out equipment if necessary," said the minister. "Our crews work diligently to ensure that roads are cleared in a timely manner. I express my thanks to them and reiterate that our government takes the issue of snow clearing seriously. We will continue to examine every avenue to provide effective and efficient winter maintenance solutions."

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

2005 03 09                   12:45 p.m.