Minister announces awarding of contract for road work in the Straits and White Bay North District

Tom Rideout, Minister of Transportation and Works, and Trevor Taylor, MHA for the Straits and White Bay North, today announced that Island Aggregates and Ready Mix Inc. has been awarded a contract to complete road work in the district. Funding for these upgrades is made available under the 2005-06 Provincial Roads Improvement Program.

Island Aggregates and Ready Mix Inc., Deer Lake, has been awarded a contract valued at $1,373,565 to complete upgrades to Conche Road along Route 434, from the top of Sailor Jack�s Hill toward Roddickton. Under this contract, approximately seven kilometres will be upgraded.

Minister Rideout said: "Our government has undertaken the largest Provincial Roads Program in years. Recognizing that significant annual investments are required in order to address the current issues facing our roads infrastructure, the program has been twice increased from its initial allocation of $33.7 million, including carryovers. Its current value is $48.7 million, including carryovers, and represents an $18.7 million increase over the 2004-05 Provincial Roads Improvement Program."

"I am extremely pleased that this contract has been awarded, and that residents on the Northern Peninsula will soon enjoy the benefits of an improved transportation infrastructure in The Straits and White Bay North District," said Minister Rideout.

"I am very pleased that we are able to commit this level of funding to continue upgrading the road in Conche," said Minister Trevor Taylor, area MHA. "This road is in desperate need of improvement due to years of neglect. The upgrades are especially important for the area considering the majority of employment opportunities and essential services are located outside the community. As well, we know the growth of the economy is dependent upon well-developed transportation infrastructure. This is a solid commitment to improving the infrastructure on the Northern Peninsula."

"Our government will remain committed to making strategic investments in roads throughout Newfoundland and Labrador," said Minister Rideout. "We recognize the benefits associated with improving the provincial transportation infrastructure. These include employment opportunities and an increase in visitors and tourists to our communities."

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

2005 10 18        10:15 a.m.