Stimulus Funds Working for Newfoundland and Labrador Funding Will Continue to Create Jobs, Boost Local Economy

Transportation and Works
January 29, 2010

Stimulus Funds Working for Newfoundland and Labrador
Funding Will Continue to Create Jobs, Boost Local Economy

Newfoundland and Labrador drivers will benefit from improved highways and bridges thanks to a partnership between the Governments of Canada and Newfoundland and Labrador. The Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of National Defence, along with the Honourable Tom Hedderson, Minister of Transportation and Works, today announced that Canada and Newfoundland and Labrador will contribute $30.9 million towards nine highway improvements and two bridge rehabilitation projects in the province.

"Canada's Economic Action Plan is ensuring that the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador will come out of this period of economic uncertainty stronger than ever before," said Minister MacKay. "As we enter the second phase of the Plan, our government is not only continuing the rapid implementation of important infrastructure stimulus projects, but we are also looking ahead to future challenges, especially reducing the deficit once our economy is fully recovered, and to building a strong foundation for job creation and future economic growth across Canada."　　

"The Williams Government is in the midst of an unprecedented provincial infrastructure strategy, currently valued at more than $4 billion over the next several years, and we have been among the leaders in the country in getting shovels in the ground and putting our people to work," said Minister Hedderson. "The projects we are announcing today will build upon our work to date and provide motorists throughout the province with a safer and more enjoyable driving experience."

Canada is contributing $15.45 million under the Infrastructure Stimulus Fund to support these initiatives, with Newfoundland and Labrador matching the federal contribution. The total combined estimated cost of these eleven initiatives is $30.9 million.

The federal $4-billion Infrastructure Stimulus Fund is a key component of Canada's Economic Action Plan. The fund invests in construction-ready infrastructure projects throughout Canada.

The Infrastructure Stimulus Fund complements existing and long-term federal infrastructure funding by focusing on short-term objectives for economic stimulus. To further this goal of rapid economic stimulus, the Infrastructure Stimulus Fund focuses on construction–readiness as important project selection criteria and supports projects that can be completed by March 31, 2011. Projects focus largely on the rehabilitation of existing assets such as water, wastewater, public transit, highways, roads, culture, parks, and trails.

To learn more about Canada's Economic Action Plan, visit www.actionplan.gc.ca.

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Media contacts:

Roger Scaplen
Director of Communications
Department of Transportation & Works
709-729-3015, 697-5267
rogerscaplen@gov.nl.ca

Dan Dugas
Office of the Minister of National Defence
613-996-3100
Infrastructure Canada
613-948-1148

BACKGROUNDER
Infrastructure Stimulus Fund at Work In Newfoundland and Labrador

Through Canada's Economic Action Plan, the federal government established the $4-billion Infrastructure Stimulus Fund, providing funding to construction-ready infrastructure projects. Funding is supporting projects that can be completed by March 31, 2011. This initiative is structured to flow funding and get shovels in the ground quickly.

Under the Infrastructure Stimulus Fund, the Government of Canada will provide funding for infrastructure improvements to nine highways and two bridges in Newfoundland and Labrador. The total estimated cost for these initiatives is $30.9 million. The Government of Canada will contribute up to $15.45 million, with a matching contribution from Newfoundland and Labrador.

LIST OF FUNDED ROAD INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS

Project Information

Route 60
Upgrading and repaving of approximately eight kilometres of Route 60 between the communities of Colliers and Harbour Main.

Route 70
Upgrading and repaving of approximately 4.5 kilometres of Route 70 between the communities of Ochre Pit Cove and Blackhead.

Route 90
Upgrading and repaving of three sections of Route 90 between the communities of Gaskiers and St.Vincent's, totalling approximately 7.5 kilometres.

Route 210
Upgrading and repaving of Route 210, Burin Peninsula Highway from its intersection with the Trans Canada Highway towards the North Harbour intersection, totalling approximately 8.9 kilometres.

Route 330
Upgrading and repaving of a 12.8 kilometres section of Route 330, between Pine Pond Pit and Musgrave Harbour.

Route 331
Upgrading and repaving two sections of Route 331, between the intersection with Route 330 at Georges Point and the Horwood intersection, for a total distance of 12.8 kilometres.

Route 430
Upgrading and repaving of approximately 10 kilometres of Route 430, between Portland Creek and Daniel's Harbour.

Route 431
Upgrading and repaving of sections of Route 431, between Route 430 at Wiltondale and Gros Morne National Park boundary.

Route 450
Widening of Route 450, Corner Brook Industrial Access Road from the interchange with the Trans Canada Highway to Wheelers Road.

Sandy Lake Narrows Bridge
Reinforcing and rehabilitating the Sandy Lake Narrows Bridge on Howley Road.

Outer Cove Bridge
Replacing the existing structure with two new bridges (Outer Cove Brook and Beach Access Road) combined with a mechanically stabilized earth retaining wall.

2010 01 29 3:00 p.m.

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