News release

Provincial, Federal Governments Invest $4.5-million in South Shore Highway Projects

Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal (Oct. 2007 - Feb. 2021)

Motorists travelling through the South Shore area will soon have a safer, more comfortable drive after a joint $4.5-million investment by the provincial and federal governments.

Vicki Conrad, ministerial assistant, on behalf of Bill Estabrooks, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal, and MP Gerald Keddy, on behalf of federal Transport and Infrastructure Minister John Baird, announced the funding today, Feb. 19 for the two highway improvement projects.

"We are committed to maximizing federal funding for important infrastructure projects in Nova Scotia," said Ms. Conrad. "Today's announcement means that all funding under the infrastructure stimulus program has been committed to roads and other important infrastructure improvements across the province."

"Canada's Economic Action Plan is working to ensure that Nova Scotia comes out of this period of economic uncertainty stronger than ever before," said Mr. Keddy. "As we enter the second phase of this plan, government will continue the rapid implementation of important infrastructure stimulus projects. At the same time, we are building a strong foundation for job creation and economic growth in the future."

The projects being funded will include repaving on Highway 103 from Broad River to St. Catherine's River Road and repaving about 10 kilometres of Route 331 to Volgers Cove. These upgrades and rehabilitation projects will improve safety, security and travel times for Nova Scotia drivers.

Nova Scotia is contributing $2.25 million to the projects, with Canada matching the contribution.

Federal financial support comes from the $4-billion, Infrastructure Stimulus Fund, which provides funding to provincial, territorial, municipal and community construction-ready infrastructure projects that can be completed by March 31, 2011.