No. H060/04 For release October 19, 2004 SURREY, B.C. - Faster, more efficient movement of people and goods through British Columbia's Lower Mainland is a step closer to reality with the start of two significant transportation infrastructure projects in Surrey, B.C. Commencement of the work to widen Highways 10 and 15 was announced today by Transport Minister Jean-C. Lapierre, along with Minister of State (Infrastructure and Communities) John Godfrey and B.C. Minister of Transportation Minister Kevin Falcon. "These upgrades demonstrate the Government of Canada's commitment to improving the safety, efficiency and sustainability of British Columbia's transportation system," said Mr. Lapierre. "They will help keep Canadian goods moving through an important trade corridor, as well as relieving congestion for area residents." "This example of federal-provincial collaboration will directly benefit the Lower Mainland community," said Mr. Godfrey. "Consistent with the Government of Canada's New Deal for Cities and Communities, we are supporting economic growth. At the same time, the work will contribute to improved quality of life in communities across the province." During the initial phase, a pre-load granular material will be applied to the area to solidify the soil. This will allow for the eventual widening of Highway 10 from two to four lanes between 122nd Street and 172nd Street and the widening of Highway 15 from two to four lanes between 32nd Avenue and 88th Avenue. A $10.7 million contract has been awarded to JJM Construction Ltd., of Delta, British Columbia, to carry out the pre-load construction. "These highway widening projects are integral to both Surrey's economy and the economy of the entire region," Mr. Falcon said. "These highways are primary routes for moving goods through the region, and connect to the other transportation links such as the Tsawwassen ferry terminal and the U.S. border." In 2001, the Government of Canada announced the $600 million Border Infrastructure Fund to support increased efficiency at Canada's borders. The fund is a comprehensive approach towards sustaining and increasing the long-term safety and efficiency of the Canada-U.S. border. The two central objectives of the Border Infrastructure Fund are to support the Smart Border Action Plan by reducing bottlenecks; and to expand existing infrastructure capacity over the medium term to support growth. The program is being implemented in cooperation with provincial, territorial and municipal governments, academic and research institutes, and with partners from the public and private sectors on both sides of the border. These two projects on Highway 10 and 15 will cost $143.7 million, with approximately $61 million being contributed by the federal government. Other border infrastructure projects in the province include upgrades to Highway 91-91A in Surrey and New Westminster, as well as Highway 11 in Abbotsford. There will be some brief off-peak traffic delays during the pre-load phase, which is expected to last 12 months. A backgrounder with further information on the Border Infrastructure Fund is attached. -30- Contacts: Irène Marcheterre Director of Communications Office of the Minister of Transport, Ottawa (613) 991-0700 Carla Ventin Director of Communications Minister of State (Infrastructure and Communities), Ottawa (613) 948-2688 Vera Holiad Communications, Transport Canada, Ottawa (613) 993-0055 Jeff Knight British Columbia Ministry of Transportation, Victoria (250) 356-7707 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. This news release may be made available in alternative formats for persons with visual disabilities. BACKGROUNDER BORDER INFRASTRUCTURE FUND In Budget 2001, the Government of Canada announced its intention to provide $600 million to support improved efficiency at Canada's borders. The Border Infrastructure Fund is a comprehensive approach towards sustaining and increasing the long-term safety and efficiency of the Canada-U.S. border. It encompasses physical infrastructure, intelligent transportation systems, and helps support analytical capacity which will provide decision makers with better information on border issues as they pertain to congestion. In the wake of the events of September 11, 2001, the Government of Canada renewed its commitment to public and economic security by signing a declaration for the creation of a Smart Border for the 21st century between the United States and Canada. The Smart Border Action Plan is supported by four pillars: (i) secure flow of people, (ii) secure flow of goods, (iii) secure infrastructure, and (iv) coordination and information sharing in the enforcement of these objectives. The Border Infrastructure Fund is being implemented in co-operation with provincial, territorial and municipal governments, academic and research institutes, and with partners from the public and private sectors on both sides of the border to form an integral component of the Smart Border Action Plan. The two central objectives of the Border Infrastructure Fund are (1) to support the Smart Border Action Plan by reducing border bottlenecks; and (2) to expand existing infrastructure capacity over the medium term to support ongoing economic growth. In fulfilling these objectives, funding will be largely targeted towards major crossings, such as Windsor, Ontario; Sarnia, Ontario; Niagara Falls, Ontario; Fort Erie, Ontario; Douglas, British Columbia; and Lacolle, Quebec. The Government of Canada will make a maximum contribution of 50 per cent towards the total eligible costs of each project. All projects will be selected under the authority of the Minister of State (Infrastructure and Communities) based on the following investment criteria: Mitigation of congestion; Enhancement of system capacity; Coordination with adjacent U.S. border facility and road access network; Support implementation of the Smart Border Action Plan; Enhancing safety and security at border crossings; and Financial participation of other public and private sector partners. October 2004
