ST. JOHN’S, Nfld. — A $35 million infusion of cash for highway improvements will see nine new highway projects creating approximately 350 direct and indirect jobs.

Transport Minister David Collenette and Provincial Minister of Works Services and Transportation, Percy Barrett announced the Government of Canada contribution to highway improvements for this fiscal year under existing Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador highway initiatives.

“(The) contribution will help ensure that Newfoundland and Labrador continues to have an efficient transportation system,” says Collenette. “A strong transportation network provides the necessary foundation on which the province can build in order to take full advantage of the many strengths of its people and resources.”

“The Roads For Rails agreement has been crucial to the development of the highway system in this province,” says Barrett. “We certainly look forward to working with the federal government on future highway initiatives which will help improve Newfoundland and Labrador’s transportation infrastructure and support regional development.”

The Government of Canada will provide $23.7 million under the Trans-Canada Highway Agreement and $11.3 million under the Regional Trunk Roads Agreement for these projects.

The funds will be used for new projects or complete existing ones. Both agreements form part of the Newfoundland Transportation Initiative signed by the federal and provincial governments in 1988. The initiative is scheduled to expire in 2003.