Make Highway Construction a Priority

Ron Russell, Minister of Transportation and Public Works, continues to apply pressure on the federal government in his effort to gain federal cost-sharing for highway construction.

After the new federal government was declared elected, Mr. Russell reminded Ottawa of its responsibility to assist in providing a safe and efficient transportation system. He also wrote a letter Monday, Nov. 27, requesting funding under the same program that may be used to provide $350 million for highway construction in Montreal.

"We are working towards securing a fair and appropriate share of federal funding, and I will continue to take every opportunity to make our voice heard," said Mr. Russell. "Nova Scotia has made various submissions for federal/provincial cost-shared programs and would be very interested in obtaining funding under the same program made available to Montreal."

The minister also wrote to Transport Minister David Collenette on Nov. 1, 2000, and requested that Ottawa allow Nova Scotia to use its share of highway infrastructure funding in 2001. The province's share is about $20 million -- out of a $600 million fund -- but Nova Scotia won't be able to access the money until 2002. Mr. Russell requested that this $20 million of federal funds be allocated to the Highway 101 project, based on a 50-50 cost sharing ratio, and that the funds be made available through an extension to our existing Highway Improvement Program.

"If this allocation is made, we would be able to begin work in the next construction season and carry out a significant part of the total project," said the minister.

Mr. Russell said that the twinning of Highway 101 remains the department's top priority for new construction. He added the reality is that the project simply cannot proceed without federal funds.