An innovative and cost-effective alternative to conventional asphalt technology will be used to upgrade road systems in the Town of Terra Nova through a project supported under the 2007-08 Municipal Capital Works Program.

The Honourable Jack Byrne, Minister of Municipal Affairs, announced the Provincial Government�s second project of this kind, an investment of $162,122 toward the Bituminous Surface Treatment (BST) method of road surface-sealing. The province will contribute $116,000 to the project, with the remainder of the funding supported by the Town of Terra Nova. This project is similar to a recently announced initiative on the Northern Peninsula, in the Town of Conche.

"I am pleased to approve this project for the Town of Terra Nova and I applaud its willingness to participate in the development of a new and innovative solution which will improve transportation routes for the area," said Minister Byrne. "Road infrastructure is an essential means for mobility of residents, businesses and tourists, and the valuable information gained from this project may provide future cost-effective solutions for other areas of Newfoundland and Labrador."

The BST application uses a cold applied liquid asphalt emulsion which is applied to the gravel surface and over-layed with a uniformly graded crushed rock aggregate to complete the surface. This method has been previously used on the Trans Labrador Highway and has extended the life of portions of that road network.

"This method will allow rural communities to stretch infrastructure funding to get valuable and important projects like this completed. I am pleased that roads in the district will be secured to ensure that residents have a reliable transportation network," said Paul Oram, MHA for the District of Terra Nova. "Terra Nova is a very significant player in the agricultural industry of the province, and road improvements will ensure that these businesses won�t be adversely affected by road conditions at some times throughout the year."

The 2007-08 Municipal Capital Works Program is valued at $34.2 million and supports the development of municipal infrastructure through provincial/municipal cost-shared projects. In Budget 2007-08, the Provincial Government committed $22.2 million towards this program, with 93 per cent of the infrastructure investments supporting smaller municipalities throughout the province.

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Media contact:
Heather MacLean
Director of Communications
Department of Municipal Affairs
709-729-1983, 690-2498
heathermaclean@gov.nl.ca

2007 07 31                                                     10:30 a.m.