January 28, 2005 Dartmouth, Nova Scotia Traffic congestion on Portland Street, Dartmouth should soon be reduced thanks to a project being funded under the Canada-Nova Scotia Infrastructure Program (CNSIP), it was announced today. The design and construction of a new diamond-shaped interchange on Highway 111 will provide alternative access into the Woodside Industrial Park and will create access to newly developed lands in the area. As a result, traffic should be reduced on heavily used Portland Street. The total cost of the project is $7.0 million. Through the infrastructure program, the joint federal-provincial investment will be $2.5 million with the Halifax Regional Municipality funding the balance of this project. "By investing in infrastructure projects such as this, the Government of Canada is helping to strengthen communities through the provision of more efficient and safer transportation systems." said Mike Savage, Member of Parliament for Dartmouth-Cole Harbour, on behalf of Joseph McGuire, Minister of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency. "This new interchange on Highway 111 will benefit many people," said Barry Barnet, Minister of Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations. " It will not only provide a safer driving environment for motorists by reducing traffic on Portland Street, it will provide for economic opportunities for Woodside Industrial Park and will provide for potential future access to the Caldwell Road area." The Infrastructure Program supports long-term economic growth, community infrastructure improvements and environmental enhancements. "This project will help reduce traffic on Portland Street and it will provide for economic growth in our area," said Peter Kelly, mayor of the Halifax Regional Municipality. "The Canada-Nova Scotia Infrastructure Program has enabled us to work with other levels of government to achieve a common goal -- to make Nova Scotia communities the best they can be." (quote tbc) To date, more than $211 million has been invested in 134 projects, across the province, through the program, and more announcements are expected as projects undergo environmental assessment and final approval. The program is administered by the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency and Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations. Enterprise Cape Breton Corporation is a member of the management committee. The Union of Nova Scotia Municipalities is represented on the Program's management committee. - 30 - For further information contact: Valérie Poulin Director of Communications Office of the Honourable Joseph McGuire Minister of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency 613-941-7241 David Harrigan Media Relations Officer Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency 902-426-4238 Deborah Bayer Canada-Nova Scotia Infrastructure Secretariat 902-424-0112 Peter Kelly Mayor, Halifax Regional Municipality 902-490-4010
