Investing in Infrastructure: Better bridges for Grand Bank area

Trevor Taylor, Minister of Transportation and Works, today announced an investment of $525,000 for bridge and road improvements in the Grand Bank area, under the Provincial Roads Improvement Program, as part of government�s ongoing commitment to address the provincial infrastructure deficit and revitalize rural economies.

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.

"This focused and planned approach to infrastructure will not only provide improvements to our transportation network, it will benefit social sectors throughout society," said Minister Taylor.

Bridges slated for rehabilitation this year are: Big Salmon River Bridge, Little St. Lawrence Dam Bridge and the St. Lawrence Causeway Bridge. Also, a section of Route 220 from Epworth to St. Lawrence will be resurfaced; work which has been carried over from last year.

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 26                             12:45 p.m.