Minister announces 2005 Provincial Roads Improvement Program

Tom Rideout, Minister of Transportation and Works, today announced that the Department of Transportation and Works is proceeding with the 2005 Provincial Roads Improvement Program.

Minister Rideout said, "The Department of Transportation and Works maintains approximately 9,500 kilometres of primary, secondary and community roads throughout the province. Budget 2005 allocated significant monies for our provincial roads network. This includes a continuing allocation of $30 million for the Provincial Roads Improvement Program. As well, $3.7 million in uncompleted road work will be carried over from last year.

"This brings government�s total allocation for the provincial road program to $33.7 million. This precludes any federal-provincial cost-sharing arrangements for road work."

The Provincial Roads Improvement Program provides a source of funding for upgrades and improvements to the provincial highway network including major trunk roads, community access roads and local roads, as well as routine maintenance on the Trans Canada Highway. Funding is also allocated for the rehabilitation and replacement of bridges.

"Specific details and tenders will be issued in the coming days," said the minister. "Government�s continued increase to funding for this program demonstrates our commitment to providing a safe and reliable transportation network within our province.

"It is also indicative of our government�s commitment to ensure economic development in all regions of the province. Over the past year and a half, government has made significant investments in business and community economic development with the goal of boosting rural economic development. Government recently announced our Comprehensive Regional Diversification Strategy which was designed to draw upon the regional strengths and be complemented by government programs."

"The provincial roads program will contribute to government�s rural development strategy by providing employment opportunities and stimulating local economies. The contracts generated by this program are significant to the road-building industry within the province and to employment in rural areas," said the minister.

Preventative maintenance continues to be an important feature of the 2005 Provincial Roads Improvement Program. Minister Rideout said, "Preventative maintenance on existing infrastructure is far less costly than outright replacement or extensive repairs in the future."

"Our government is continuing to reverse the effects of long-term under-funding of our roads program," said Minister Rideout. "Our government takes the issue of road maintenance very seriously. We believe that investing in our roads infrastructure will result in benefits for our people, our economy and our province."

Media contact: Lori Lee Oates, ABC, Communications, (709) 729-3015, 690-8403

2005 05 11                                    12:50 p.m.