Road upgrades in the Town of Channel-Port aux Basques will provide an improved transportation system, and reduce maintenance costs.

The Honourable Jack Byrne, Minister of Municipal Affairs, has approved a $200,000 Municipal Capital Works Project to upgrade Second Avenue and Kyle Lane which will address heavily deteriorated roads due to fatigue and weather conditions. The investment is a cost-shared initiative with the town and a continuation of government�s commitment to strengthen municipal roads and infrastructure in smaller communities throughout Newfoundland and Labrador.

"The Provincial Government recognizes that improving roadways in smaller communities provides effective and efficient access for all travelers including residents, and tourists to this province," said Minister Byrne. "Channel-Port aux Basques plays a significant role in the western region of the province and this project will restore the road network to the appropriate standards for meeting the current demand and to enable effective maintenance in the future."

The 2007-08 Municipal Capital Works Program supports cost-shared projects with municipalities that significantly enhance fire, road, recreation, and water and sewer infrastructure in municipalities around the province. The 2007-08 Budget allotted $34.2 million towards this program, of which 93 per cent of investment goes towards smaller municipalities.

-30-