Road improvements announced for Humber West District

Tom Rideout, Minister of Transportation and Works, and Premier Danny Williams, MHA for Humber West District, today announced road projects for the district under the 2005-06 Provincial Roads Improvement Program.

Road work planned for the district includes resurfacing various sections of Route 402 to Gallants, valued at $300,000. As well, $50,000 has been allocated to carry out asphalt repairs on the Corner Brook Industrial Access Road Interchange, for a total of $350,000 to be spent in the district.

Minister Rideout said, "Budget 2005 allocated significant monies for our roads infrastructure. This year, the Provincial Roads Improvement Program is valued at $33.7 million, including $3.7 million in carry over work from last year. This demonstrates our government�s commitment to our transportation infrastructure and the road users of the province."

"Our government has made great strides in the last 18 months to gain control of our fiscal situation," said the minister. "This includes making smart, strategic investments in programs designed to grow the economy and create employment opportunities in all regions of the province. Investing in our roads infrastructure certainly falls into that category.

"The maintenance of our roads infrastructure is a responsibility that our government takes very seriously. We recognize the benefits of a safe and reliable infrastructure for our people, our economy and our province," said Minister Rideout.

"I am extremely pleased that this much needed road work will begin this year, especially the road to Gallants which is in desperate need of repair," said Premier Williams. "Residents and visitors to our region will all benefit from this improved infrastructure for the community. Our government is committed to the development of rural Newfoundland and Labrador and to that end, we have made several significant investments in community development programs designed to stimulate local economies. We will continue to invest in initiatives like the Provincial Roads Improvement Program as it provides tangible benefits for all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians."

Media contact:
Lori Lee Oates, ABC, Transportation and Works, (709) 729-3015, 690-8403
Elizabeth Matthews, Premier�s Office, (709) 729-3960, 690-5500, elizabethmatthews@gov.nl.ca

2005 06 02                                    9:30 a.m.