No. H104/02
For release September 18, 2002

$23 MILLION IN HIGHWAY IMPROVEMENT
FUNDING FOR NEWFOUNDLAND AND LABRADOR

ST. JOHN’S -Transport Minister David Collenette, and Newfoundland and Labrador Transportation Minister of Works, Services & Transportation, Percy Barrett, today announced an agreement to provide joint funding of $23 million until March 2006 for national highway system improvement projects in Newfoundland and Labrador.

This agreement is part of the $600 million Strategic Highway Infrastructure Program (SHIP) announced by Mr. Collenette in April 2001.

“This federal contribution of $11.5 million from the Strategic Highway Infrastructure Program goes a long way in enhancing safety, and improving the overall condition of the province’s highways,” said Mr. Collenette. “It is an excellent example of cooperation between the Government of Canada and the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador.”

In addition to the agreement, three construction projects with a total joint cost of $4.2 million were announced.

In the town of Deer Lake at the Route 430/Trans-Canada Highway intersection, the existing overpass will be replaced with a new structure. The project, with an estimated total cost of $1 million, is expected to be completed by summer 2003.

Interchange ramps and an overpass will also be constructed at the Long Harbour Road /Trans-Canada Highway intersection, located approximately 100 kilometres west of St. John’s. The project, with an estimated total cost of $2.1 million, is expected to be completed by fall 2003.

As well, an overpass that provides west access to Port aux Basques will be constructed at a total estimated cost of $1.1 million. The project is expected to be completed by summer 2003.

“The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is pleased to sign this agreement and participate in the Strategic Highway Infrastructure Program with our federal partners,” said Mr. Barrett. “The projects we have chosen will mean great improvements to the national highway system in our province, and will certainly benefit business and individuals travelling on the Trans-Canada Highway.”

Transport Canada and the Province are reviewing a list of proposed projects for the $18.8 million in joint funding remaining under SHIP. Transport Canada will examine the benefits of these projects and how they support the program objectives and, in partnership with the province, determine which projects best meet these objectives. Funding for SHIP projects is conditional on the results of required environmental assessments.

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Contact: 

Anthony Polci 
Director of Communications 
Office of the Minister, Ottawa
(613) 991-0700

Lynn Evans
Director of Communications
Department of Works,
Services and Transportation, St. John’s
(709) 729-3015

Transport Canada is online at www.tc.gc.ca.  Subscribe to news releases and speeches at apps.tc.gc.ca/listserv/ and keep up-to-date on the latest from Transport Canada.

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In the February 2000 Budget Speech, the Government of Canada committed to improve the economy and the quality of life for Canadians by investing up to $600 million over five years in highway infrastructure across Canada. In April 2001, Transport Canada announced the Strategic Highway Infrastructure Program (SHIP). The program has two components: a $500 million highway construction component and a $100 million national system integration component.

Under the program, $500 million, including $15 million in administrative costs, will be available to address the needs of Canada’s highways until March 2006. The program formally begins in fiscal year 2002-2003. The Government of Canada is working with the provinces and territories to identify those parts of the national highway system that - because of growing traffic and increasing trade - need immediate attention. This will result in a safer and more efficient highway system for all Canadians.

An allocation formula has been developed to distribute the $485 million available to the provinces and territories under SHIP. The formula consists of a minimum of $4 million per jurisdiction plus a share based on population and a 50-50 cost-sharing ratio. Under this formula, the total federal allocation for Newfoundland and Labrador is $11.5 million.

Environmental assessments that meet the requirements of the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act will be undertaken before the projects begin. Funding for the projects is conditional on the results of these assessments.

SHIP will also provide $100 million nationally to fund initiatives that better integrate the transportation system. These include the deployment of Intelligent Transportation Systems across Canada, improvements to border crossings and better transportation planning. Intelligent Transportation Systems include applications such as advanced systems for traveller information, traffic management, public transport, commercial vehicle operations, emergency response management and vehicle safety.

September 2002