TORONTO, Ont. — CTA and OTA head David Bradley welcomed today’s announcement of $323 million in funding for border improvements.

Federal Transport Minister Toni Valeri and Ontario Transportation Minister Harinder Takhar, at a press conference held in Fort Erie today announced the signing of an agreement to commit $323 million in joint federal/provincial funding for 14 border infrastructure projects.

“Today’s announcement that funding for the projects is now in place is welcome news indeed,” said David Bradley. “Canada-US trade depends on the efficient movement of trucks across our border. This announcement will certainly make it easier to do so.”

The cash, designed to reduce border congestion, enhance security and expand infrastructure at key border crossings, would see improvements to the Queenston Lewiston Bridge, Blue Water Bridge, Peace Bridge, as well as the Queen Elizabeth Way (QEW) and Highway 401.

“Today’s announcement shows that the federal and provincial governments can get things done when they work together. I want to congratulate both ministers and their cabinet colleagues for making today’s announcement happen,” said Bradley.

Canada-US Truck Transportation Facts:

* Over 37,000 trucks cross the Canada/US border every day averaging one truck every 2.5 seconds.
* Canada and the United States are each other’s largest trading partners. In 2003, Canada and the US conducted $1.5 billion dollars a day in trade. The lion’s share of that – about two-thirds – is moved by truck.
* 87 per cent of Canada’s exports head to the United States annually and 22 per cent of US exports are sold in Canada

The Ontario Trucking Association (OTA) is a business association representing motor carriers operating into, out of and within Ontario. The trucking industry is one of Ontario’s largest employers. David Bradley is President of OTA.
The Canadian Trucking Alliance (CTA) is a federation of the seven Canadian provincial trucking associations representing approximately 4,000 motor carriers and is dedicated to serving the national and international interests of Canadian motor carriers. David Bradley is chief executive officer of CTA.