Solicitor General of Canada and MP (Cardigan) Lawrence MacAulay, on behalf of Transport Minister David Collenette, together with PEI Minister of Transportation and Public Works Don MacKinnon, today announced an agreement to provide joint funding of $3 million to rehabilitate Route 313, known as Greenwich Road.
"I am pleased to announce that the Government of Canada is providing $1.5 million in funding for improvements to this road, which serves as the only entrance to Greenwich National Park," said Mr. MacAulay. "The park will become more accessible to Islanders and visitors to PEI who use this great natural facility."
"This project will build upon recent investments to make the Greenwich National Park a showcase for Islanders and visitors alike. By working together on projects like this, we are strengthening the Island and moving toward a brighter tomorrow," said Premier Pat Binns.
The project consists of rehabilitating a 10 kilometre stretch of Route 313 outside the park boundary through ditch construction, cross culvert replacement, re-establishment of tap drains, storm sewer system installation, and road re-surfacing.
"Since the park opened in May 2000, ongoing discussions have taken place between officials from Transport Canada and the Province on Route 313," said Mr. Collenette. "Today's announcement clearly marks a step forward in helping improve the province's roads."
"I welcome any federal investment into our road network," said Mr. MacKinnon. "I am hopeful that today is the first step on a road that will see the Government of Canada partnering further with the Province and road building industry to renew our road network Island wide. The economic spinoff from that kind of partnership will have considerable economic and community benefits for all Islanders."
The Province of Prince Edward Island will select a consultant and administer this project. Work is expected to begin in the spring of 2002 and be completed by the fall of 2002.