August 19, 2010

SMART PROVINCIAL SPENDING BENEFITS ISLAND TAXPAYERS

CASSIDY – The positive outcome of competitive bidding means $42 million in savings is going towards an additional 21 B.C. infrastructure projects underway through the Infrastructure Stimulus Fund, including two Vancouver Island projects aimed at making roadways safer.

The funding is available as the result of savings achieved through competitive bids on previously announced provincial Infrastructure Stimulus Fund highway projects. It is estimated these new projects will create more than 270 direct jobs. Of the $42 million invested, $38 million is eligible under the Infrastructure Stimulus Fund – split equally between Canada and B.C.

 “These projects will go a long way in improving road safety in an area that has seen some concerning vehicle crashes,” says Parksville-Qualicum MLA Ron Cantelon. “The added benefit to taxpayers is seeing the way smart provincial spending, coupled with assistance from Ottawa, can make their dollars go further.”

“These two highway projects are another example of the commitment the federal and provincial governments have made to strengthen the British Columbia economy,” says Nanaimo-Alberni MP James Lunney. “Investing in priority infrastructure projects, such as road re-surfacing and median dividers, will lead to safer roads for residents and visitors across the entire mid-island.”

The two projects in Cassidy include:
• Highway 1: Nanaimo River Road to Spitfire Road - asphalt resurfacing
Federal funding: $675,000
Provincial funding: $825,000
Total funding: $1.5 million

• Highway 1: Spruston Road to Beck Road - median divider and Beck Road intersection improvements
Federal funding: $405,000
Provincial funding: $495,000
Total funding: $900,000

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