Investing in Infrastructure: Road improvements for Baie Verte area

Trevor Taylor, Minister of Transportation and Works, today announced an investment of $4.13 million for road improvements in the Baie Verte area, as part of government�s ongoing commitment to address the provincial infrastructure deficit and stimulate rural economies.

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

�Government is continuing to honour its Blueprint commitment by making this significant investment in infrastructure� said Minister Taylor. �And due to the recent flooding in the area, the need for road work is immediate.�

The road improvements planned for the Baie Verte area include some carry over work from last year, and are as follows:

• Pave Department of Transportation and Works� roads in Little Bay Islands;
• Upgrade and pave section of Route 413-50, Burlington - Middle Arm Road;
• Upgrade and pave section of Route 413-10 in town of Burlington;
• Upgrade and pave section of Brent�s Cove Road;
• Upgrade and pave section of Harbour Round Road;
• Upgrade and pave section of Nipper�s Harbour Road;
• Upgrade and pave section of Route 410 in Baie Verte-Fleur de Lys;
• Resurface section of Route 414, LaScie Highway;
• Resurface sections of Little Bay Road;
• Pave section of Harry�s Harbour Road;
• Resurface section of King�s Point Road.

�I am pleased that substantial improvements will continue to be made for the Baie Verte area,� said Minister Paul Shelley, MHA for Baie Verte. �In light of the recent flooding challenges in my district, these investments will help create stability and offer people the opportunity to continue moving forward.�

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 05 17                         11:05 a.m.