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.


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