No. H097/03 For release
August 29, 2003

$84.5 MILLION TO BE INVESTED IN MONTREAL

Montreal, August 29, 2003 - Minister of Justice, Attorney General and the Minister responsible for Quebec, Martin Cauchon, and President of the Treasury, Minister of Government Administration and Minister responsible for the Montreal area, Monique Jérôme-Forget, are pleased to announce, on behalf of federal Transport Minister David Collenette and Quebec Transport Minister Yvon Marcoux, that the Governments of Quebec and Canada are investing $84.5 million for construction projects on Highway 15 and Highway 40 in the Montreal area.

This announcement is part of the overall $217 million Strategic Highway Infrastructure Program agreement signed today by federal Transport Minister David Collenette and Quebec Transport Minister Yvon Marcoux.

Under the agreement, the two governments will each pay one half of the cost of projects. Funding for the projects will depend on the results of mandatory environmental assessments.

“I am pleased that funds from the Strategic Highway Infrastructure Program are being used for these highway improvements in the region. These projects will help maintain and upgrade existing roads which will enhance public safety and benefit communities,” said Mr. Cauchon.

“I am pleased with the announcement that these financial resources, which have been available for some time, can now finally be put to use,” said Ms. Forget. “They will be used to maintain our assets, improve our strategic highway infrastructure, increase road safety and contribute to the economic development of Montreal.”

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