Road to the Isles (I)

Someone didn't get the memo:

"But to come in and double- and triple-announce money, that's giving the appearance of being new money, that's misleading," Williams said.

Premier Danny Williams says his cabinet ministers are not in the habit of announcing old money.

Then what's all this?

A $3-million carryover. Or, if you prefer, "old money."

And the "infrastructure program" was valued at $2-billion. It is only valued at $2-billion now, if you count money that's already spent. Or, if you prefer, "old money".

It's always impressive, the ability of Our Dear Premier to project his own character failings, and his own worst habits, onto his political enemies; and to take his supposed virtues and turn them into their vices.

Transportation and Works
February 20, 2008

Government Invests Almost $2.5 Million in Isles of Notre Dame Roads

The Provincial Government launched its record-setting 2008-09 Provincial Roads Improvement Program today, allotting $2.475 million for projects in The Isles of Notre Dame region.

The Honourable Dianne Whalen, Minister of Transportation and Works, made the announcement, as part of this year’s $73 million strategy to improve provincial roads.

"This government recognizes the correlation between infrastructure investment and economic growth, which is one of the main reasons we are making unprecedented investments in our province’s roads, particularly in rural parts of the province," said Minister Whalen.

"We anticipate this year’s funding will create over 1,400 person years of employment."

In addition to the $73 million in new funding, approximately $3 million will be carried over from last year’s Provincial Roads Improvement Program. These road improvements are part of the Provincial Government’s infrastructure strategy, valued at over $2 billion.

The road improvements planned for The Isles of Notre Dame are:

• Upgrade and resurface Route 340, from 83 kilometre mark, towards Twillingate Causeway Bridge;


• Upgrade and pave Route 340, Twillingate Causeway towards Twillingate, and;


• Complete paving Route 335-14, Change Islands Road.

Derrick Dalley, MHA for The Isles of Notre Dame, said: "I am extremely pleased with this significant investment. In addition to providing a more pleasurable and comfortable travelling experience for residents and tourists alike, these projects will have a positive impact on the area's economy."

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Media contact:

David Salter
Director of Communications
Department of Transportation and Works
709-729-3015, 691-3577
davidsalter@gov.nl.ca

2008 02 20 9:25 a.m.