NLIS 12
March 30, 2004
(Executive Council)
Investing in Infrastructure
Represents an Investment into the Future
A key component of government�s two-pronged
approach to implementing its agenda for the province is targeted investment
in areas that will stimulate economic growth. As a result, Budget 2004
outlines strategic investments in several types of infrastructure, including
technology, education and transportation systems.
"Investment in infrastructure is one of
the most effective ways a government can stimulate economic growth, create
jobs and attract private sector investment," said Premier Danny
Williams. "More importantly, investing in infrastructure represents a
smart and responsible investment into the future. While government is
committed to dealing with the fiscal challenges facing this province, we
also recognize that, in order to attract new investment and compete more
successfully, we require a solid foundation of reliable
infrastructure."
The following are highlights of strategic
infrastructure investments in Budget 2004:
School capital and maintenance (Education)
Government has allocated $22.1 million to be spent on school capital
construction projects for the 2004-05 fiscal year. This allocation includes
funding for the Francophone school-community centre, extensions and
renovations at Northshore Elementary in Meadows, and improvements of
facilities at St. Bernard�s School in Witless Bay, for a total of $13.9
million. As well, $8.2 million is dedicated to major maintenance projects.
Broadband (Education)
In Budget 2004, government re-confirmed its commitment of $5 million to
expand Broadband throughout the province, giving more schools and
communities access to high-speed Internet.
Broadband
(Innovation, Trade and Rural
Development)
Budget 2004 provides $1.2 million to assist community and regional groups to
leverage federal funding for Broadband expansion in support of local
economic development.
Provincial roads (Transportation and Works)
Government has demonstrated its commitment to improving the provincial road
network by adding $7 million to the Provincial Roads Program, for a total of
$30 million. This investment is a necessity as our provincial road network
is vital for transportation and our economy. And, the additional $7 million
will also benefit the construction and spin-off industries. The additional
$7 million investment in the Provincial Roads Program will be funded by the
increase in vehicle registration fees. The total provincial-federal capital
investment in provincial road improvements for 2004-05 is approximately $70
million.
Trans Labrador Highway (Transportation and
Works)
Government has committed $24 million to the Trans Labrador Highway. Most of
this money will be used to begin construction on phase three of the highway,
pending environmental approval. A portion of the money will also go towards
completion of Pinsent�s Arm Road and the South Feeder Bridge to complete
phase two of the Trans Labrador Highway.
Strategic Highway Infrastructure Program
(Transportation and Works)
Through the federal-provincial cost-shared Strategic Highway Infrastructure
Program, $15.1 million is also available for improvements to the Trans
Canada Highway (TCH). Work is about to start to replace the Penstock Bridge
near Norris Arm. As well, government will upgrade and pave 42 kilometres of
the TCH between Chance Cove and Goobies and also plans to replace the bridge
at South Branch River.
Road Weather Information Systems
(Transportation and Works)
In an effort to enhance safety on the provincial highway network, the
provincial and federal governments will cost-share the $430,000 purchase of
Road Weather Information Systems technology. Once in place, this system
should allow more effective monitoring when a section of road begins
freezing, resulting in quick and accurate response times.
Infrastructure Strategy (Transportation and
Works)
Government recognizes that a reliable infrastructure system is critical for
the future of this province. As such, government has committed $100,000
towards the development of an infrastructure strategy to guide investment in
a manner that promotes growth. As well, the development of a multi-year
roads program is underway to ensure that resources are allocated based on a
hierarchy of need.
Maintenance (Transportation and Works)
Government has committed $2.1 million for maintenance and improvements to
ferry terminals in the province, and continues its investment of $4 million
for alterations and improvements to public buildings. Through the federal
Labrador Coast Airstrip Restoration Program, $1 million is also available
for equipment replacement and strip restoration to airstrips in Labrador.
Debt Relief (Municipal and Provincial
Affairs)
An additional $9 million has been allocated for the Municipal Debt Relief
program. This program was first introduced to help municipalities regain
financial stability. This program will help about 25 rural towns
substantially relieve their capital debt burden.
Municipal Infrastructure (Municipal and
Provincial Affairs)
Municipal infrastructure improvements will continue with total expenditure
to be maintained at $80 million in 2004-05 under programs including
Multi-Year Capital Works, Municipal Capital Works and the
Canada-Newfoundland Infrastructure programs. These programs cost-share
various projects with municipal and federal governments, including water and
sewer upgrades, improvements to municipal buildings, recreational
facilities, firefighting equipment and roads. Infrastructure promotes job
creation which, in turn, will strengthen our economy.
Media contact:
Elizabeth Matthews,
Office of the Premier (709) 729-3960
Christine King,
Transportation and Works (709) 729-1758
Vanessa Colman-Sadd,
Municipal and Provincial Affairs (709) 729-1983
Lynn Salter,
Education (709) 729-0048
2004 03 30
3:00 p.m.
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