Government Funding Paves the Way for Better Mobility and Economic Growth in Labrador

MARY'S HARBOUR, NEWFOUNDLAND AND LABRADOR--(Marketwired - June 27, 2016) - The governments of Canada and Newfoundland and Labrador announced more than $63 million in joint funding to pave another 160 kilometres of the Trans-Labrador Highway's gravel surface with asphalt.

This work will be done on Route 510 from 15 kilometres west of the Charlottetown intersection to Red Bay and is part of a long-term initiative to complete the widening and paving of Labrador's only highway and main public road. Once complete, the project will encourage tourism in the area, save residents money on vehicle upkeep, increase driver safety, and allow businesses to import and export goods faster. It will also help decrease noise and dust pollution, and reduce long-term highway maintenance costs.

The Honourable Dwight Ball, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, and Yvonne Jones, Member of Parliament for Labrador, on behalf of the Honourable Amarjeet Sohi, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities, made the announcement today at the community centre in Mary's Harbour. The Honourable Al Hawkins, Newfoundland and Labrador Minister of Transportation and Works, and Lisa Dempster, Deputy House Speaker and Member of the House of Assembly for Cartwright-L'Anse au Clair, also participated in the event.

The total estimated cost of this project is $63,893,500, with $31,671,750 coming from the Government of Canada through the New Building Canada Fund's Provincial-Territorial Infrastructure Component-National and Regional Projects, and $32,221,750 coming from the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador.

Quotes

"A commitment to strategic investments in infrastructure is a commitment to the growth and sustainability of communities across our great province. Such investments help our communities and our province continue to thrive. The Trans-Labrador Highway project is extremely important to Labradorians. Our government allocated $63.7 million in our budget this year in order to leverage federal funding, ensuring the continuation of this project. Today's announcement is an example of federal provincial cooperation at work for the betterment of Labrador."

The Honourable Dwight Ball, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador

"Public infrastructure connects people, supports job creation, and boosts economic development. This is why the Government of Canada has pledged to work in partnership with provinces, territories and municipalities to ensure we make smart investments that promote sustainable development and long-term prosperity. It's thanks to projects like the paving of the Trans-Labrador Highway that we will build the Canada of the 21st century and ensure a high quality of life for generations to come."

Yvonne Jones, Member of Parliament for Labrador, on behalf of the Honourable Amarjeet Sohi, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities

"Today's announcement is not just an investment in Labrador but an investment in our province. We all benefit from Labrador's rich resources and the continuing development of the Trans-Labrador Highway is important to the economic development of the province overall."

The Honourable Al Hawkins, Newfoundland and Labrador Minister of Transportation and Works

"The Trans-Labrador Highway is critical to our communities and our government remains committed to the completion of the highway. This transportation link not only benefits residents and businesses of Labrador but it is vital to the economy and success of the entire province. When we continue to move forward with the Trans-Labrador Highway, we are allowing other areas, such as tourism and commerce, to grow."

Lisa Dempster, Deputy House Speaker and Member of the House of Assembly for Cartwright-L'Anse au Clair

Associated links

Government of Canada infrastructure investments in Newfoundland and Labrador: http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/map-carte/index-eng.html

Investing in Canada, the Government of Canada's new $120 billion infrastructure plan: http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/plan/index-eng.html

Twitter: @INFC_eng

Web: Infrastructure Canada