August 19, 2010
Smart Provincial Spending Means Safer Roads, More Jobs

DELTA – Competitive bidding pays off as $42 million in savings is going towards an additional 21 B.C. infrastructure projects getting underway through the Infrastructure Stimulus Fund, including a $3 million project on Highway 99.
                       
“The government’s money is taxpayers’ money and we want to ensure every dollar is spent wisely,” says Surrey-Panorama MLA Stephanie Cadieux. “These savings allow us to fund projects in South Delta, Surrey and across B.C., meaning better roads and more jobs.”

“We are pleased to partner with the Province of British Columbia on this important infrastructure project,” says Federal Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities Chuck Strahl. “This project is one of many that will create local jobs for British Columbians, improve transportation efficiency, and continue to stimulate our economy.”

The provincial government is contributing $1.65 million of the total $3 million total cost to resurface Highway 99 between the Highway 17 overpass and the Nicomekl River. The project is scheduled to be completed by October 1, 2010.

The funding for these 21 projects is available as the result of savings achieved through competitive bids on previously announced provincial Infrastructure Stimulus Fund highway projects. It is estimated these new projects will create more than 270 direct jobs. Of the $42 million invested, $38 million is eligible under the Infrastructure Stimulus Fund – split equally between Canada and B.C.
The federal contribution to these projects comes from the $4 billion Infrastructure Stimulus Fund, which provides funding to provincial, territorial and municipal construction-ready infrastructure projects. Since March 2009, over 400 projects have received a total federal investment of over $500 million under the Infrastructure Stimulus Fund across British Columbia.

Since October 2008, over $5.3 billion has been committed for accelerated capital projects across British Columbia, which is estimated to generate more than 34,000 construction jobs over the life of the projects.

For the latest on Cadieux’s work in the constituency, visit her website www.stephaniecadieuxmla.bc.ca and follow her on Twitter: www.twitter.com/MLACadieux.