NLIS 11
June 3, 2005
(Transportation and Works)
Minister ensures there will be a
focus on quality roads
Tom Rideout, Minister of Transportation and
Works, today addressed misinformation that has been put in the public domain
regarding the winterization of certain departmental depots.
Minister Rideout said: "Misinformation is being put out in the public domain
regarding the winterization of depots which, unfortunately, seems to be part of
a pattern of misinformation on the part of the official Opposition. I have
previously clarified in the House of Assembly that government will convert 13
depots so that they will be used in the winter months only. This will result in
approximately 85 employees being laid off during the summer months, as opposed
to working year round, after bumping and retirements take place."
This is not the first time depots in the province have been consolidated. The
previous administration consolidated 21 depots in 1993.
"The realignment of our services will allow government to invest funds in our
materials budget. This will in no way compromise our ability to provide a safe
and reliable highway infrastructure," said the minister. "In fact, it will
enable us to provide higher quality roads.
"Our government takes road maintenance very seriously. To that end, Budget 2005
allocated $33.7 million for our Provincial Roads Improvement Program, including
$3.7 million in carry-overs. The considerable monies allocated by our government
is in direct contrast to the practice of the previous administration. One year,
the previous administration allocated as little as $4 million to the Provincial
Roads Improvement Program."
"In addition, Budget 2005 allocated $3.5 million in new funding for the purchase
of heavy equipment, which is something that was also underfunded by the previous
administration. This brings the total amount budgeted for heavy equipment to
$6.5 million," said the minister. "These are the first steps in addressing the
under funding by the previous administration in our heavy equipment and roads
infrastructure.
"Budget 2005 also provides $13.65 million for highway improvements under the
Strategic Highways Infrastructure Program. This program is cost-shared with the
federal government, with the province contributing $7.5 million to the program."
"There is also an additional $18 million allocated under Budget 2005 so that
government can leverage additional monies from the federal government under
other potential cost-shared programs. Government has entered into discussions
with the federal government regarding cost-sharing of projects under these
programs," said the minister.
"Our government will continue to invest strategically in our roads
infrastructure. We recognize the long-term benefits of a sound infrastructure
for our people, our communities and our economy," added the minister.
Media contact: Lori Lee Oates, ABC, Communications, (709) 729-3015, 690-8403
2005 06 03
3:35 p.m. |