Minister announces awarding of contract for road work in Humber West

Tom Rideout, Minister of Transportation and Works, and Premier Danny Williams, MHA for Humber West, today announced that Humber Valley Paving Limited has been awarded a contract to complete road improvements throughout the district. Funding for these projects is made available under the 2005-06 Provincial Roads Improvement Program.

This is part of a $2,642,181 contract awarded to Humber Valley Paving Limited, Deer Lake, for completion of road work throughout areas on the province�s west coast.

Under this contract, valued at $375,081, sections of Route 402, Gallants Road, will be paved.

Minister Rideout said: �Nearly $50 million has been allocated for road work throughout Newfoundland and Labrador during this construction season. A large portion of this road work has already been completed, and much is ongoing. To that end, I am pleased to announce the awarding of this contract for road work in Humber West District.�

�I am pleased today with the announced awarding of this contract to begin much needed work on the road to Gallants,� said Premier Williams. �This work is long overdue and will significantly improve the infrastructure needs of this community. Such investments into the infrastructure of our rural economies are vital to the well-being of the areas. For many years, residents of Gallants have asked for this work and I am pleased that we are finally fulfilling this important request.�

�Our government has made great strides to gain control of the province�s fiscal situation since coming to office nearly two years ago,� said Minister Rideout. �This includes making smart, strategic investments in programs designed to create employment opportunities in all regions of the province. Investing in our roads infrastructure certainly falls into that category.�

Minister Rideout said: �We are committed to maximizing the benefits associated with a solid transportation infrastructure, including safer roadways, an increase in tourism to our communities and the stimulation of local economies. Indeed, improved roads will contribute to the betterment of the province as a whole. Strategic investments such as the provincial roads program are vital as we guide this province toward economic and fiscal stability and an improved quality of life for all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians.�

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

2005 09 22                               3:25 p.m.