Road improvements announced for Port au Port District

Tom Rideout, Minister of Transportation and Works, and Jim Hodder, MHA for Port au Port, today announced road projects for Port au Port District. Funding for these projects will be made available under the 2005-06 Provincial Roads Improvement Program.

Minister Rideout said, �The Department of Transportation and Works maintains approximately 9,500 km of primary, secondary and community roads throughout the province.

�Our government recognizes the need to significantly invest in this infrastructure and the benefits associated with this maintenance. To that end, $48.7 million will be made available under this year�s program, including $3.7 million to be carried over from last year. I am pleased to announce that $1.7 million funding has been allocated for projects in the Port au Port District.�

Planned projects for the district include:

• $400,000 for resurfacing of Route 460, Campbells Creek toward Abrahams Cove;
• $200,000 for resurfacing of Lower Cove Hill, Route 460;
• $300,000 for upgrades to Black Duck Brook Road;
• $300,000 for resurfacing of Lourdes to Mainland;
• $500,000 for resurfacing of Route 460 through Kippens.

�This year�s allocation of $1.7 million is the largest one-year roadwork funding commitment in the history of the district of Port au Port,� said Mr. Hodder. �This funding will allow for significant improvements to the road infrastructure in my district. Residents and tourists alike will see the benefit of these improvements as better roads will make for a more enjoyable experience for all travelers in the area.�

�Our government is committed to revitalizing rural Newfoundland and Labrador by investing in programs that encourage economic development. The Provincial Roads Improvement Program is an excellent example of how we are accomplishing this,� said the minister.

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

2005 07 26                                   1:10 p.m.