Budget Bulletin: Capital Spending for Nova Scotia Priorities

FINANCE--Budget Bulletin: Capital Spending for Nova Scotia Priorities

Nova Scotia continues to invest in its priority capital* projects. The 2003-04 capital budget of $250 million is an increase of $31 million, or 14.2 per cent, over the previous year.

Once again, investments in roads, bridges, ferries, land, and equipment are higher than the previous year, with a budget of $106.2 million, an increase of $16-million over 2002-03. This includes an additional $11-million to complete a three-year, $31- million commitment to increase funding for road improvements.

The Department of Transportation and Public Works will also spend $10 million to make capital improvements to provincially owned buildings across the province.

Capital spending in the Department of Education is also increasing to a total of $93.9 million, an increase of $3 million, or 3.3 per cent, over the previous year. This includes $62 million for eight new schools, $18.5 million for additions and alterations to existing elementary and high schools, $9 million for expansion of the Nova Scotia Community College, and $4.6 million for school buses.

The province's 2003-04 capital budget also includes $10.8 million for the Department of Justice (Yarmouth Correctional Centre and Port Hawkesbury Courthouse), $7.7 million for the Department of Health (ambulances and hospital information system)**, and $5.5 million for the Department of Tourism and Culture (capital improvements to three resorts).

• Note: Capital spending is for investments in long-term assets such as roads, buildings, property, plants, or equipment. Operational spending is for annual government expenses such as programs, salaries, and administration.

• *Note: Department of Health has a separate capital account of $30 million.

NOTE: For further 2003-04 budget information, visit the Department of Finance Web site at www.gov.ns.ca/finance .