|
News Release
Description of Priorities
April 29, 2005
GOVERNMENT OF CANADA CONFIRMS NEW INVESTMENTS OF
$269 MILLION IN QUEBEC’S TRANSPORTATION INFRASTRUCTURE
QUEBEC, Quebec - Canada’s Minister of Transport and Political Lieutenant for Quebec, the Honourable Jean−C. Lapierre, and Quebec’s Minister of Transport and Minister responsible for the Capitale-Nationale region, Michel Després, today announced an agreement-in-principle between the governments of Canada and Quebec on joint funding for transportation infrastructure work in Quebec.
The Government of Canada will invest $269 million for transportation infrastructure. This contribution will be funded out of two existing infrastructure programs: up to $197 million from the Canada Strategic Infrastructure Fund, and up to $72 million from the Border Infrastructure Fund. The Government of Quebec will in turn match the Government of Canada’s contribution.
The Honourable Jean-C. Lapierre said he was delighted to announce these investments on behalf of the Minister of State (Infrastructure and Communities), the Honourable John Godfrey. “This agreement is an excellent example of co-operation between the governments of Canada and Quebec,” said Minister Lapierre. “Canada’s contribution of $269 million bears witness to both governments’ determination to intensify their partnership, increase safety and improve strategic transportation routes in Quebec.”
The Quebec Minister of Transport underscored the positive results of this announcement for Quebec. “The Canadian government’s contribution we are announcing today supports Quebec government priorities that have been recognized by the Government of Canada. These are large-scale projects that will help us improve Quebec’s transportation infrastructure. They are located in strategic corridors that are essential to economic development in Quebec and its regions,” indicated Mr. Desprès.
Key priorities
The priorities for action will be the following transportation routes:
- $85 million for Highway 185, which provides a strategic link between Quebec and New Brunswick;
- $51.5 million for Highway 173 and Highway 73 in the Beauce region;
- $7.5 million for Highway 55 in Estrie;
- $57 million for Highway 35; and
- $38 million for Highway 50 in the Outaouais.
In addition, the Government of Canada and the Government of Quebec will each allocate $30 million for investments in rail and intermodal infrastructure, to which participation by the private sector will add $40 million, for a total of $100 million over five years.
This commitment of $269 million is in addition to the $513 million already announced by the federal government for its first contributions to the completion of Autoroute 30, in the south of Montréal, and for the four-lane divided highway construction project for Highway 175 between Quebec City and Saguenay.
Today’s announcement brings the total contributions for transportation projects from the Government of Canada to $782 million, coming from the Canada Strategic Infrastructure Fund and the Border Infrastructure Fund.
It is important to note that the agreement stipulates that the projects are to be carried out under Quebec jurisdiction and control and must comply with the environmental legislation in force.
Mr. Després also noted the commitment of the Government of Quebec and the investments it will make in the road network. “A few days ago, we announced an unprecdented $3.9 billion commitment over three years, including $1.2 billion for this year to improve the quality of the road network. The Government of Canada’s contribution enables us go even further with our desire to carry through with projects to improve and develop the strategic road network,” said Quebec’s Minister of Transport.
For all of the priorities set out in this agreement, the Government of Quebec will contribute an overall amount of $2.8 billion spread out over the years these projects are carried out.
Ministers Lapierre and Després concluded by pointing out that these investments would improve traffic flow on several portions of Quebec’s highways. They will also result in improvements in road user safety and enhance Quebec’s capacity in terms of trade with its partners in the other Canadian provinces and the United States.
- 30 -
Contacts:
Josée Delisle
Press Secretary
Office of the Quebec Minister of Transport and Minister Responsible for the Capitale Nationale Region
Minister of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
(418) 643-6980
Irene Marcheterre
Director of Communications
Office of the Honourable Jean−C. Lapierre, Federal Minister of Transport
(613) 991-0700
Jean-François Racine
Head, Communications
Activities Service
(418) 528-9680
Infrastructure Canada
Communications and Promotion
(613) 948-1148
Description of Priorities
Regarding Financing of Transportation Infrastructure
Highway 185
Estimated Cost: $1 billion
Involves construction of a four-lane highway between Rivière-du-Loup and the New Brunswick border. 91 km is still uncompleted in addition to the sections currently under construction.
Highway 35
Estimated Cost: $257 million
Involves extending Highway 35 between Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu and Philipsburgh, at the Vermont border. The purpose is to complete the highway system in the trade corridor between Montréal and Boston and improve safety.
Highway 73 and Highway 173
Estimated Cost: $190 million
Highway 73 and Highway 173 are located along the Quebec-Maine border route. Involves construction of a 34.6 km section of Highway 73 located between Saint-Joseph and Saint-Georges. The part between Saint-Georges and the Maine border includes improvements to the present Highway 173.
A portion of the work to be carried out on Highway 73 and Highway 173 will be financed by the Border Infrastructure Fund.
Highway 50
Estimated Cost: $600 million
The contribution will make it possible to undertake work on Highway 50. It should be borne in mind that on February 15, 2005, Quebec Premier Jean Charest had announced an investment of $256 M over three years to extend Highway 50.
Intermodal rail infrastructure
Overall investment by all partners: $100 million over five years
The $30 million federal contribution to rail infrastructure will be allocated in its totality to finance projects to rehabilitate short-line rail infrastructure for a total project cost of $75 million, including a $20 million share from the Quebec government and $25 million from the private sector. The intermodal projects will be totally funded by the Government of Quebec and the private sector in the amount of $10 million and $15 million respectively, meaning contributions by the two governments to these projects total $30 million and private sector contributions total $40 million.
Highway 55
Estimated Cost: $15 million
Involves construction of a third highway lane along a 2 km stretch towards the border to accommodate trucks waiting to enter the U.S., including redesign of the intersection of Highway 247, installation of intelligent transportation systems to manage traffic and construction of a highway control area. The federal contribution comes from the Border Infrastructure Fund.
|
Email this page