Burin-Placentia West District to benefit from Provincial Roads Improvement Program

Tom Rideout, Minister of Transportation and Works, and Clyde Jackman, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Education and MHA for Burin-Placentia West, today announced road projects for the Burin-Placentia West District, valued at over $1.9 million in new funding.

Minister Rideout said, "Our government recognizes that considerable benefits are associated with the initiation of road projects and the overall improvement of our roads infrastructure. These include employment opportunities, stimulation of local economies and safer roads.

"In Budget 2005, we continue to make improvements to our transportation infrastructure, as government has allocated significant funding for the maintenance of our provincial roads network. This includes a Provincial Roads Improvement Program valued at $35 million, plus $3.7 million in carryover work from last year. Today, I am pleased to announce road projects for the Burin-Placentia West District valued at over $1.9 million in new funding."

Planned projects for the district include continuing with paving on the road to Petit Forte, valued at $800,000. In addition, $300,000 in funding has been allocated for resurfacing a section of road through the Town of Rushoon. Walkways at Southeast Bight will also see upgrades, with work valued at $100,000. Approximately $250,000 in funding has been allocated for Little Salmonier River Bridge. Funding in the amount of $150,000 will go toward the rehabilitation of the Marystown Underpass, in addition to $19,000 carried over from last year. Jean de Baie Bridge will receive upgrades, with $250,000 allocated for this project and $125,000 will go toward upgrades to Route 221, near Hollett�s Farm.

"This year�s allocation of over $1.9 million for road and bridge work in the district of Burin-Placentia West will certainly benefit all members of the traveling public. The announced improvements certainly reflect our government�s commitment to providing and maintaining quality infrastructure in rural Newfoundland and Labrador," said Mr. Jackman. "Residents and tourists alike will enjoy the significant improvements that will be made as a result of this funding."

Minister Rideout said, "Our government recognizes the benefits that are associated with a solid road infrastructure. Over the past 18 months, we have initiated a number of government programs that will maximize these benefits for the long-term sustainability of our roads."

Media contact: Danny Pond, Communications, (709) 729-1758, 685-3415

2005 06 30                                                     11:40 a.m.