Member of Parliament for St. John�s East, Norm Doyle, on behalf of the Honourable Lawrence Cannon, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities, together with the Honourable Jack Byrne, Minister of Municipal Affairs, and the Honourable John Hickey, Minister of Transportation and Works, today announced a commitment to improve transportation for the northeast Avalon region through the construction of the Torbay Bypass. The Government of Canada is committing up to $5 million and the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador is committing the remainder of funds to the $10-million project.

"Canada�s New Government is pleased to partner with the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador to improve the transportation network around the Town of Torbay. The bypass will help to support the continued growth of tourism, business investment, and economic development in the region," said Mr. Doyle.

"Development of the Torbay Bypass is an investment in the future of Torbay and surrounding communities, and will support residential, business and tourism opportunities for the region. The expansion of Route 20 will enhance our province�s transportation network and benefit those who live, visit and conduct business in the northeast Avalon," said Minister Byrne. "As MHA for Cape St. Francis, it has been a priority to move this project forward and ensure that the Torbay Bypass is constructed. I am thrilled that this valuable road infrastructure has become a reality and am excited about the future opportunities that will arise as a result of the improved transportation link."

"Today's announcement is the latest in a long line of infrastructure initiatives spearheaded by the Williams Government to revitalize and enhance our province's transportation network," said Minister Hickey. "Just last month, as part of Budget 2007, this government invested $440 million in the second year of our six-year infrastructure strategy, valued at over $2 billion."

The existing Route 20 through Torbay is the primary access route for the northeast Avalon region. The new bypass will complete an integrated transportation network that will link in communities north of St. John�s. Situated west of the Town of Torbay, the Torbay Bypass project will consist of upgrading the existing two-lane Route 20 through the Town of Torbay, and providing an alternate route around the town. Residents of Torbay, the City of St. John�s and the surrounding communities � Pouch Cove, Flatrock, Logy Bay-Middle Cove-Outer Cove, and Bauline � are expected to benefit from the resulting economic development.

The project consists of:

Financial support is conditional on meeting applicable federal and provincial requirements, including the successful completion of environmental assessments required under the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act, and the successful negotiation of a contribution agreement.

The federal contribution is provided through the current Canada Strategic Infrastructure Plan (CSIF), which supports large-scale infrastructure projects that strengthen areas vital to sustaining economic growth and enhancing quality of life for Canadians.

The Government of Canada works with provincial, territorial and municipal governments, as well as with the private sector, to meet strategic infrastructure needs throughout the country. Budget 2007 made a historic investment of more than $16 billion over seven years in infrastructure, bringing federal support under a new long-term plan for infrastructure to a total of $33 billion. Newfoundland and Labrador will benefit directly from this new funding, as the province has through other federal infrastructure programs.

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2007 05 24                                                11:00 a.m.