News Release

FREDERICTON (CNB) – New investments in rural transportation infrastructure were announced today when the 2011-12 main budget estimates of the Department of Transportation were released in the legislative assembly.

Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Claude Williams said these investments are a fulfilment of the provincial government's commitment to renew the focus on safety and security for people travelling on rural roads. Measures include:

●    an additional $1 million for rural roads, which comprises an extra $300,000 in pothole patching and a further $700,000 in asphalt roadway repairs;
●    an additional $400,000 for centre-line striping on rural roads and brush cutting along provincially designated rural highways;
●    $1 million to restore the Gagetown and Belleisle ferries to full service; and
●    $2.4 million to reopen 22 summer maintenance divisions.

Williams said these investments will be balanced by budget savings of $13.3 million.

"Good management is about thinking strategically and reviewing your budget to see where you can make responsible savings," said Williams. "Through measures such as reducing the use of non-essential technology, reducing meeting and travel expenses, and eliminating 34 positions through vacancies and retirements, we can make the department a leaner, more efficient organization."

The department will also take an aggressive approach to energy conservation, anticipated to result in $900,000 in savings. This will be achieved through fuel savings as a result of the department's vehicle anti-idling policy, by monitoring vehicle usage, and by installing energy efficient equipment in Department of Transportation buildings.