WINNIPEG, Man. — Manitoba has entered year two of its RoadWorks Manitoba capital spending program, and will spend another $120 million on highways this year.

“In the 2002-03 fiscal year, we set a new record of $112 million for maintaining and improving Manitoba’s infrastructure under our new long-term planning strategy,” says Transportation Minister, Scott Smith. “For the 2003 construction season, we will continue this momentum with a number of major projects to revitalize our aging infrastructure and its crucial role in economic growth across the province.”

This year’s priorities include: $45.5 million for regional infrastructure projects; $13.8 million for TCH improvements under the SHIP program; $9 million for the Prairie Grain Roads Program; $6.3 million for annual sealcoating of 750-kilometres of provincial roads; and $6 million for pavement rehabilitation on provincial and truck roads.

“With over 80 per cent of this year’s highway construction projects already tendered, Manitoba communities will quickly see tangible results of our commitment to infrastructure renewal,” says Smith. “Manitoba’s shift to a long-term planning strategy will help us allocate the province’s tight resources much more effectively. However, we will be continuing all our efforts to encourage greater federal infrastructure investment as an economic necessity and urgent priority.”