NLIS 8
May 30, 2005
(Transportation and Works)


Details of winterization of depots outlined

Today, the Department of Transportation and Works outlined the details of the winterization of certain depots in various locations throughout the province.

�Our government allocated significant monies to our provincial roads network in Budget 2005,� said Tom Rideout, Minister of Transportation and Works. �However, we want to ensure that our roads maintenance program is operating effectively and efficiently today and into the future. Therefore, as I announced previously, we are consolidating some depot operations in order to deliver a more efficient service, while ensuring there is an effective, reliable and safe transportation system for the citizens of the province.�

Under the winterization of certain depots, government is consolidating summer maintenance staff and reducing summer depot operations from 44 to 31 locations. These changes mean that approximately 85 positions are converted from year round to winter seasonal.

Depots in the following locations will be winterized:

� Torbay
� Avondale
� Heart�s Content
� Placentia
� Bellevue
� Boat Harbour
� Port Rexton
� New World Island
� Northern Arm
� La Scie
� Roddickton
� Rocky Harbour
� Steel Mountain

Any monies saved through the winterization of depots will be reinvested in materials for the department�s summer maintenance program. Minister Rideout said, �This move is not about saving money. It is about investing our resources where they will be most effectively utilized. As I�ve said previously, government regrets any negative impact these changes will have on our employees. However, we will help affected employees by providing benefits in accordance with the particular collective agreement under which they are currently working.�

Minister Rideout explained that these changes in no way impact on winter operations. �Under this approach, all 44 depots will be operational during the winter months and will continue to be staffed at regular levels during those months. The changes are about realigning departmental operations to more effectively service the public and make better use of existing resources for summer maintenance�

�Our government feels that this plan is in the best interest of our roads maintenance program and the traveling public,� said the minister. �We are committed to making strategic investments that lead to better results over the long-term.�

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

2005 05 30                                           3:20 p.m.
 


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