Road improvements announced for Bonavista South

Tom Rideout, Minister of Transportation and Works, and Roger Fitzgerald, Deputy Speaker and MHA for Bonavista South, today announced road projects for the Bonavista South District under the 2005-06 Provincial Roads Improvement Program.

"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. "In Budget 2005, government will be spending significant monies on the provincial road network, and over $2.54 million has been allocated for work in Bonavista South."

Planned work for the district includes:

• $517,000 for repaving of section of Route 235 between the intersection of Route 237 and Newman�s Cove;
• $500,000 for upgrading and paving in Plate Cove East, Route 235, toward Plate Cove West;
• $430,000 for repaving of sections of Route 235 between Birchy Cove and Bonavista;
• $350,000 for resurfacing of section of Route 235-17, Open Hall Road;
• $220,000 for upgrading and repaving section of Route 230 near Bread Pond;
• $135,000 for resurfacing of Route 230-24 in Melrose;
• $110,000 to pave Route 234-11-2 in Lethbridge;
• $85,000 to replace existing bridge and install new culvert in Birchy Cove;
• $80,000 to resurface Route 238-10, North Side Road, in Elliston;
• $55,000 to repair three bumps on Route 230 near Melrose;
• $40,000 to pave Carl Holloway�s Road in Lethbridge;
• $20,000 to correct drainage problem in King�s Cove.

The MHA for Bonavista South, Roger Fitzgerald said, "I am very pleased with the announcement of $2.54 million for road work in the district of Bonavista South. The minister has visited my district and has seen first hand the need for improved road infrastructure. This road work will go a long way toward increasing public safety and enhancing the potential of the tourism industry in the district. Our government is committed to providing quality rural infrastructure and this announcement certainly reflects that commitment."

"A priority of this government is to promote rural development. Over the past year and a half, significant investments have been made in business and community economic development by our government," said the minister. "Investing in the development of our roads infrastructure certainly falls into this category as these projects will lead to improved roads, job opportunities and provide benefits for local industries."

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

2005 06 21                                   10:40 a.m.