Highway improvements to Trans Labrador Highway and Argentia Access Road to be jointly funded
St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, December 17, 2007 -
To better address the infrastructure needs and priorities of Newfoundland and
Labrador, the governments of Canada and Newfoundland and Labrador today
announced the signing of a Framework Agreement worth more than $430 million in
federal contributions under Building Canada, the Government of Canada's new
long-term infrastructure plan. The Honourable Loyola Hearn, Minister of
Fisheries and Oceans, on behalf of the Honourable Lawrence Cannon, Minister of
Transport, Infrastructure and Communities, along with the Honourable Dianne
Whalen, Minister of Transportation and Works for Newfoundland and Labrador,
participated in today's announcement.
The governments of Canada and Newfoundland and Labrador today also jointly
announced that improvements to the Trans Labrador Highway and upgrading of the
Argentia Access Road will be among the first funding priorities under Building
Canada. The Government of Canada will provide up to $51.5 million, representing
a maximum of 50 per cent of total eligible costs of these initiatives, after the
successful conclusion and signing of a Base Funding Agreement.
"The signing of a Building Canada Framework Agreement between the Governments
of Canada and Newfoundland and Labrador will address infrastructure needs and
priorities that will improve the province's communities, economy and
environment," said Minister Hearn. "The federal investment in these first two
initiatives is an example of how Building Canadais helping to
ensure that Newfoundlanders and Labradorians have modern, safe and efficient
infrastructure."
"Addressing the provincial infrastructure deficit is one of the top
priorities of the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador," said Minister
Whalen. "This agreement with the Government of Canada provides a blueprint for
infrastructure revitalization that complements the Provincial Government's $2
billion infrastructure strategy and will significantly impact Newfoundlanders
and Labradorians."
The infrastructure Framework Agreement sets the stage for a collaborative
investment in the infrastructure needs of Newfoundland and Labrador. Under this
Agreement, $131.33 million from the Building Canada Fund will go towards
infrastructure initiatives in Newfoundland and Labrador. Of this amount, $56.33
million will be allocated to smaller-scale projects in communities with
populations of less than 100,000. As well, $75 million of the Building Canada
Fund will be dedicated to major infrastructure projects, including investments
in St. John's, particularly in priority areas such as the core National Highway
System, transit, water and wastewater treatment and green energy. Under the
Framework Agreement, the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador will also receive
$25 million annually in base funding, for a total of $175 million through to
2014 for core infrastructure priorities. A further $124.66 million will flow to
Newfoundland and Labrador municipalities through the extension of the Gas Tax
Fund Agreement from 2010 to 2014.
The Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Framework Agreement outlines how the
Building Canada Plan will operate in the province. It also establishes a
governance framework through which the two governments will work together to
identify and address infrastructure priorities. Through the Agreement, the two
governments will also establish a mechanism for reporting to Canadians on the
results of these investments.
Through its unprecedented $33-billion Building Canada infrastructure plan,
the Government of Canada will provide long-term, stable and predictable funding
to help meet infrastructure needs across Canada. Building Canada will support a
stronger, safer and better country.
Read
the Framework Agreement >>
For media inquiries contact:
Karine WhitePress Secretary Office of the Minister of Transport,
Infrastructure and Communities(613) 991-0700
David SalterDirector of CommunicationsDepartment of Transportation
& Works(709) 729-3015
Infrastructure Canada613-948-1148
