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Eddie Joyce, MHA for the District of Bay of Islands, says Transportation and
Works Minister Tom Rideout’s response to concerns about a crumbling piece of
road near McIver’s is not acceptable and is demanding immediate repairs be
made to the road before a serious accident occurs. "I am still trying to
get money from government to repair this road that continues to sink and
create hazardous conditions," said Joyce. "The Minister has been announcing
road work all over the province this week, but refuses to deal with this
situation. Normally, when a potentially dangerous situation arises,
government steps in to make emergency repairs. The Minister is aware of this
need and he will not act, despite the recommendation of his officials."
Joyce takes exception to the August 1, 2005 news release issued by
Minister Rideout who dismissed the need to fix the road, while also
providing inaccurate information about the extension to Massy Drive. "The
Minister did not tell the whole truth about the current prioritization of
the north shore road in the Bay of Islands. While it may not have previously
been a priority item, the rapid deterioration of the road in recent weeks
has been reported by departmental officials who recognize the need for
immediate repairs.
"For the Minister of Justice and the Minister of Transportation and Works
to suggest that the current project to spend $400,000 of road work money to
extend Massey Drive is related to that earlier project is completely untrue.
When the former Liberal government funded road work to provide access to
Lady Slipper Road for fire, forestry and other emergency access, a gate was
placed on the road and keys issued to emergency personnel.
"I have to question the process by which money under the provincial roads
program has been allocated by the Minister. Two other roads in Corner Brook
being constructed off the Lewin Parkway are funded through 50/50
cost-sharing arrangements with the City through the Department of Municipal
and Provincial Affairs. I see no reason for government to provide 100%
funding for the extension to Massey Drive at a cost of $400,000 and then
transfer it over to the town while roads like the one on the north shore are
left in serious need of repair.
"It is time for the Minister to put politics aside and find money in the
roads budget to fix the north shore road near McIver’s. Recent road work
announcements are evidence that Liberal districts are being neglected while
the Minister rewards districts of his political friends."
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