Funding announced for upgrades to Route 230

Tom Rideout, Minister of Transportation and Works; Paul Oram, MHA for Terra Nova; Ross Wiseman, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Health and Community Services and MHA for Trinity North; and Roger Fitzgerald, Deputy Speaker and MHA for Bonavista South, today announced funding for upgrades to a section of Route 230 (Bonavista Peninsula Highway). This funding is made available under the 2005-06 Provincial Roads Improvement Program.

Minister Rideout said, �A priority of our government is ensuring a safe and reliable roads infrastructure. This year�s Provincial Roads Improvement Program is valued at $48.7 million, including $3.7 million in carryovers from last year.

�I am pleased to announce that $1 million has been allocated for upgrades to Route 230.�

MHA Oram said, �Route 230 has been in need of repair for a number of years now and I am very pleased that the minister has allocated the necessary funding to affect these repairs. The announced upgrades will certainly serve to increase public safety across the three districts.�

�Along with increasing public safety, this announcement highlights a significant investment in rural infrastructure in a particular region of my district where residents and tourists travel frequently,� added Mr. Wiseman. �These upgrades will benefit the local tourism industry by enhancing the experience of both residents and visitors traveling the Discovery Trail. I am certain the residents of the area will be very pleased once the upgrades are complete.�

�The announcement of $1 million for upgrades to Route 230 is the result of a great deal of cooperation between the minister, the MHAs for Terra Nova and Trinity North and myself as MHA for Bonavista South,� continued Mr. Fitzgerald. �The minister has taken the time to get a first hand look at this highway and has agreed that upgrading is necessary. I certainly welcome this funding announcement.�

Minister Rideout said, �Our government is committed to ensuring that Newfoundland and Labrador has the transportation infrastructure it needs to succeed in an increasingly integrated and competitive global economy, and provide our residents and tourists with safe roadways on which to travel.�

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

2005 07 26                          10:35 a.m.