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Roland Butler, Liberal MHA for the District of Port de Grave, says he is
pleased that action is being taken to repair Route 73 from Tilton to New
Harbour. He says the road across the New Harbour Barrens is an essential
link for people accessing services in the Conception Bay North and Trinity
Bay regions. "Although only a small portion of this road falls within the
district I represent, it is an important part of the transportation system
for the whole region," said Butler. "This road connects the two sides of the
peninsula and many people use it to travel to work, for recreation and to
access services and shopping. Over the past number of years, the surface of
the road had seriously deteriorated and repairs were essential to ensure
safety of the traveling public."
The Liberal MHA wrote the Minister of Transportation and Works last year
and spoke out publicly for the road to be improved. "The state of this road
really became a priority issue last winter when it was so bad that it was
difficult for snow clearing to occur. There were also serious safety issues
raised by people who travel the road. I was disappointed at that time with
Trinity- Bay de Verde MHA Charlene Johnson who recognized the state of the
road, but did not see it as a priority for work in the district she
represents."
Butler says despite the half-hearted support from the neighboring
government MHA, he is pleased that some funds have been found and repairs
are being done. "I want to commend the staff of the department for
recognizing that this road was in serious need of repair and finding a way
to initiate these repairs. I hope the safety concerns have been addressed
and a long-term plan for the improvement of this route is in place."
"Transportation is one of the basic essential services that a government
provides to citizens. It is an important part of the infrastructure required
to foster economic and social development in rural areas of this province.
It is unreasonable for government to allow roads like this one to
deteriorate to the point where it is hazardous for those who use it. The
state of roads and highway infrastructure in this province represents the
lack of commitment to rural areas of this province by the Williams
government. This government will soon be in the third year of their mandate
and it is time they started to take responsibility for problems rather than
making excuses or trying to blame everything on the previous
administration."
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