Investing in Infrastructure: Road improvements for Labrador West

As part of government�s ongoing commitment to address the provincial infrastructure deficit and stimulate rural economies, Trevor Taylor, Minister of Transportation and Works, today announced an investment of $875,000 for road improvements in the Labrador West area, under the Provincial Roads Improvement Program.

Government will invest $300 million in infrastructure this year, of which $171 million is earmarked for transportation infrastructure. This year�s investment will create more than 4,500 full-time equivalent jobs. This is the first installment of a six-year strategy for infrastructure improvements exceeding $2 billion.

"By investing in infrastructure in rural areas of the province, government is honouring its Blueprint commitment," said Minister Taylor. "Improvements in transportation infrastructure create jobs in the short term and economic growth in the long term."

The road improvements planned for Labrador West are the resurfacing of a section of Route 500 between Labrador City and the Quebec border and the supply and application of crushed road gravel between Wabush and Churchill Falls.

The Provincial Roads Improvement Program has doubled in value from $30 million in 2004-05 to $60 million in 2006-07.

Media contact: David Salter, Communications, (709) 729-3015, 691-3577.

2006 04 25                                     10:15 a.m.