News Release

October 11, 2005

CANADA AND NOVA SCOTIA MOVE FORWARD
ON TWINNNING OF HIGHWAY 101 AND HIGHWAY 104

(Windsor, Nova Scotia – October 11, 2005) – The Honourable Scott Brison, Minister of Public Works and Government Services, on behalf of Minister of State John Godfrey (Infrastructure and Communities) and Transport Minister Jean-C. Lapierre, together with the Honourable Ronald Russell, Nova Scotia Deputy Premier and Minister of Transportation and Public Works, today announced the signing of the Canada-Nova Scotia Highway Agreement, permitting $61 million to flow to the twinning of sections of Highway 101 and Highway 104.

“The Government of Canada is proud to partner with Nova Scotia to make our roads safer and to support the regional economy,” said Minister Brison. “Today’s announcement is an important step closer to making these projects a reality for the people and communities which rely on Highway 101 and Highway 104.”

“This investment, to be made through the Canada Strategic Infrastructure Fund, demonstrates both governments’ determination to improve strategic transportation routes in Nova Scotia,” said Minister Lapierre.

The signing of the $61-million agreement follows work to establish engineering design and construction details, eligible costs, and a schedule for the work, which is expected to be completed in 2010. The agreement supports the twinning of an 8-km section of Highway 104 between New Glasgow and Pine Tree Road. It also funds the twinning of two sections of Highway 101 between Falmouth and Avonport, and St.Croix and Wentworth Road. In addition, three new grade separations will be constructed on Highway 101 at Exit 25 near Joggins, at Exit 32 near Hectanooga Road, and at Brooklyn Road, in Yarmouth.

The federal contribution of up to $30.5 million comes from the $4 billion Canada Strategic Infrastructure Fund (CSIF), which supports large-scale projects of major national and regional significance, in areas that are vital to sustaining economic growth and supporting an enhanced quality of life for Canadians. Under CSIF, financial support is conditional on the successful completion of environmental assessments.

This funding is complemented by investments under the Government of Canada's New Deal for Cities and Communities, which includes: the GST rebate of $7 billion over 10 years; $5 billion over five years in gas tax funding across Canada; and up to $800 million over two years for public transit. A further $1 billion is being provided nationally through the Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund, including $37 million for Nova Scotia; $600 million through the Border Infrastructure Fund; and $2.05 billion through the Infrastructure Canada Program, $65 million for Nova Scotia. The New Deal promotes the economic, social, environmental and cultural sustainability of Canada's communities.

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