Sound Fiscal Management Maximizes Infrastructure Investment

Tender Confirms Early Start for Road Upgrades in Baie Verte-Springdale

A tender call for road improvements in Baie Verte-Springdale is the first road improvement project confirmed for this year. This is part of a $30 million pre-commitment of Budget 2014 which will guarantee an early start for construction projects throughout the province. This new approach stems from dialogue with the construction industry and will allow for utilization of the full construction season.

“I am very pleased to announce the first tender call under our Provincial Road Improvement Program for this year, as our government delivers on a commitment to issue $30 million in early road construction tenders, ensuring that road construction projects begin earlier than ever before.”
- The Honourable Tom Marshall, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador

The project tender, which was announced by Premier Marshall in Fleur de Lys today, calls for resurfacing of Route 410 from Baie Verte to Fleur de Lys, a section of Route 414 to LaScie, and three kilometres of leveling on Route 392. The closing date for this project tender is 12:00 p.m. on April 1, 2014.

“This tender is the first of a long list of priority projects to be tendered in the coming weeks, allowing contractors to begin work as soon as possible this spring. Our Provincial Road Improvement Program plays a significant role in our overall infrastructure improvement strategy and early tendering will help maximize the full construction season and our total investments dollars.”
- The Honourable Nick McGrath, Minister of Transportation and Works

The $30 million funding is a pre-commitment under the full Department of Transportation and Works budget plan for 2014-15. Further funding allocations for the transportation infrastructure program will be determined during the annual budget process.

“I am very pleased that our government continues to address infrastructure priorities in our rural areas. Routes 410 and 414 are important pieces of transportation infrastructure and these upgrades will provide social and economic benefits for residents and businesses.”
- Kevin Pollard MHA for Baie Verte-Springdale

Through sound fiscal management and responsible decisions, the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is strengthening the business environment, encouraging the development of innovative industries and building a vibrant economy.

QUICK FACTS

• Provincial Road Improvement Program kicks off early this year with the first tender calling for upgrades in Baie Verte-Springdale.
• An investment of $30 million is providing for an early start to road construction this year.
• Further funding allocation for transportation infrastructure improvements will be determined during the annual budget process.
• This road work builds on the $11 million in road work that has been invested Baie Verte-Springdale over the last three years.
• Since 2004, more than $1.6 billion has been invested to upgrade more than 25 per cent (2,800 kilometres) of total roads and highways in the province.

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2014 03 05                                               3:25 a.m.