Canada and Newfoundland governments announce highway initiatives for 2000/2001 George Baker, Minister of Veterans Affairs, minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency and MP Gander-Grand Falls, on behalf of Transport Minister David Collenette, together with Rick Woodford, provincial Minister of Works, Services and Transportation, today announced that 24 highway improvement projects will be carried out in fiscal year 2000/2001 under existing Canada-Newfoundland highway initiatives. This year's initiative will create some 550 direct and indirect jobs. "These projects are another step to ensure that Newfoundland and Labrador continues to have an efficient transportation system," said Mr. Baker. "They will also generate significant benefits for the local construction industry." "This funding is a tremendous boost to our efforts to provide the province with a quality highway system," said Mr. Woodford. "We are extremely pleased that the federal government continues their commitment to helping us improve our transportation infrastructure." The federal government will provide approximately $34 million under the Trans-Canada Highway Agreement and $20 million under the Regional Trunk Roads Agreement for these projects. The funds will be used to begin new projects or complete existing ones. These projects are part of the existing Newfoundland Transportation Initiative Agreement signed by the federal and provincial governments in 1988. The agreement expires in 2003. Federal funding for these projects was provided for in the federal budget and is therefore built into the existing fiscal framework. This initiative is an example of how the federal government is prioritizing its spending so that it can better serve Canadians by making efficient use of their tax dollars. Tenders for these projects will begin immediately. Contacts:
This news release may be made available in alternative formats for persons with visual disabilities. PROJECTS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2000/2001 Trans-Canada Highway Agreement
Regional Trunk Roads Agreement
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