Investing in Infrastructure: Road improvements for Baie Verte area

Trevor Taylor, Minister of Transportation and Works, today announced an investment of $4.13 million for road improvements in the Baie Verte area, as part of government’s ongoing commitment to address the provincial infrastructure deficit and stimulate rural economies.

Government will invest $300 million in infrastructure this year, of which $171 million is earmarked for transportation infrastructure. This is the first installment of a six-year strategy for infrastructure improvements, exceeding $2 billion that will create more than 4,500 full-time equivalent jobs.

“Government is continuing to honour its Blueprint commitment by making this significant investment in infrastructure” said Minister Taylor. “And due to the recent flooding in the area, the need for road work is immediate.”

The road improvements planned for the Baie Verte area include some carry over work from last year, and are as follows:

• Pave Department of Transportation and Works’ roads in Little Bay Islands;
• Upgrade and pave section of Route 413-50, Burlington - Middle Arm Road;
• Upgrade and pave section of Route 413-10 in town of Burlington;
• Upgrade and pave section of Brent’s Cove Road;
• Upgrade and pave section of Harbour Round Road;
• Upgrade and pave section of Nipper’s Harbour Road;
• Upgrade and pave section of Route 410 in Baie Verte-Fleur de Lys;
• Resurface section of Route 414, LaScie Highway;
• Resurface sections of Little Bay Road;
• Pave section of Harry’s Harbour Road;
• Resurface section of King’s Point Road.

“I am pleased that substantial improvements will continue to be made for the Baie Verte area,” said Minister Paul Shelley, MHA for Baie Verte. “In light of the recent flooding challenges in my district, these investments will help create stability and offer people the opportunity to continue moving forward.”

The Provincial Roads Improvement Program has doubled in value from $30 million in 2004-05 to $60 million in 2006-07.

Media contact: David Salter, Communications, (709) 729-3015, 691-3577

2006 05 17                         11:05 a.m.