Minister announces awarding of contract for road work in Burin-Placentia West District

Tom Rideout, Minister of Transportation and Works, and Clyde Jackman, MHA for Burin � Placentia West, today announced that Nortech Construction Co. 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.

Nortech Construction Co. Limited, St. John�s, has been awarded a contract valued at $2,323,338 to complete the following projects throughout the district:

• Paving a section of Route 215, Petite Forte Road;
• Recapping a section of Route 210-21 through Rushoon;
• Recapping a section of Route 221 between Burin Bay Arm and Little Salmonier;
• Asphalt patching at various storm damaged areas on the Burin Peninsula;
• Paving of various council roads in Marystown.

Minister Rideout said, �Our government recognizes that significant investments are necessary in order to address many of the most pressing issues currently facing the transportation infrastructure throughout Newfoundland and Labrador. To that end, we are taking great strides to ensure that necessary monies are made available for road work throughout the province. This year�s roads program, valued at $48.7 million including carryovers, is indicative of this commitment, and represents the largest Provincial Roads Improvement Program in decades.�

"I am extremely pleased that this contract has been awarded," said Mr. Jackman. "This work is now underway, and I look forward to seeing its completion in the near future. The people of my district will soon see the benefit of an infrastructure investment of over $2.3 million."

�This government will continue to invest in initiatives such as the Provincial Roads Improvement Program as they provide tangible benefits for all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians,� said Minister Rideout. �This year�s program represents an $18.7 million increase over the 2004-05 Provincial Roads Improvement Program. Road work generates employment opportunities and contributes to developing local economies since improved roads attract tourists and visitors to our communities.

�The constituents in Burin-Placentia West will enjoy these benefits as over $2.3 million of road improvements are completed.�

Media contact: Lori Lee Oates, ABC, Communications, (709) 729-3015, 6909-8403

2005 10 14                                        2:50 p.m.