ST.JOHN’S, Nfld. — Bill Matthews, MP for Random-Burin-St. George’s, Newfoundland and Labrador along with Tom Rideout, Minister of Transportation and Works for the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador announced joint funding of $4.2 million for highway improvements on the province’s west coast.

The funding is made available under the Canada/Newfoundland and Labrador Strategic Highway Infrastructure Program. The project will rehabilitate 19.5 km of the Trans-Canada Highway between Flat Bay Brook and Fischells River on the province’s west coast.

“Our government is cognizant of the need for upgrades and repairs to our provincial highway network,” said Minister Rideout. “I anticipate that a public call for tenders will be issued shortly, with work set to begin this spring and be completed in the fall. This project is a step in the right direction to ensuring that the roads infrastructure in the area will be improved, and driving conditions for motorists will be more pleasant and safe. Safety for our residents is a high priority for our government.”

Under the Strategic Highway Infrastructure Program agreement, the Government of Canada and the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador are providing joint funding of $23 million until 2006 for highway improvement projects in the province. The Canada/Newfoundland and Labrador Strategic Highway Infrastructure Program agreement, signed September 18, 2002, is part of the national $600 million Strategic Highway Infrastructure Program announced in April 2001.

Federal funding for this project was provided for in the March 2004 federal budget.