On June 10^th, government announced this year’s Provincial Roads Improvement Program. Since that date, many of the planned projects have been halted and put under review. No indication has been received as to why these delays are occurring, nor if any of this work will be done this year.

"Our office has been contacted by several employees of the Department of Transportation and Works who are expressing great concern with the delay in road work," said Mr. Grimes. "We have been advised that to date only one road improvement tender has been awarded on the Avalon Peninsula. This totals less than 3 per cent of the region’s total improvement program. We are nearing the end of August, when will this work take place?

"Departmental employees have indicated that only 21 seasonal employees have been recalled this year because of the delays. Last year, approximately 60 people were working on road improvement projects. Many of these employees haven’t been told whether this road work will take place this year, or even if their services will be required.

"Why did this government announce road work funding if they are not going to move forward with the projects? The minister stated that these projects were necessary and would keep the province’s roads safe and reliable. From the concerns we have heard from employees of the department, they fear that these necessary infrastructure upgrades may become the latest casualty of the Williams government.

"I ask the minister to inform the people of the province what this government’s road work plans really are. Will the money announced in June actually be spent on upgrading the safety and reliability of our road infrastructure? If these delays occur much longer, it may be too late to complete these projects before winter."