MINISTERS RELEASE NATIONAL HIGHWAY STUDIES

December 16, 1998

OTTAWA -- The Chair of the Council of Ministers Responsible for
Transportation and Highway Safety, the Honourable Sheldon Lee,
Minister of Transportation of New Brunswick, today announced the release of three reports detailing the condition of Canadian highways and the benefits of highway investment to the economy. 

The National Highway Policy Study reports were released by the Council of Ministers Responsible for Transportation and Highway Safety. The reports were commissioned by the council. 

"Canadian governments have agreed that an efficient highway system is essential to the continued development of the Canadian economy," said Mr. Lee. 

"The public is also becoming increasingly aware that transportation
investment is a key component in the movement of people, resources and
manufactured goods, and is vital in achieving Canada’s social and
economic goals. 

The main report, " Condition and Investment Needs Update", concludes
that the state of the national highway system has not improved since 1988.
An investment of $17 billion is required to bring the national highway
system up to an acceptable standard. Such an investment would generate
an estimated $30 billion in economic benefits over 25 years through
savings in travel time, increased safety, and reduced vehicle operating
costs. 

"Canadian ministers responsible for transportation and highway safety will
continue to work together to achieve appropriate levels of investment in
highways," said Mr. Lee.

He said the release of the reports to news media, business groups and
other organizations is intended to raise public awareness of the role of
transportation in the Canadian economy. For more details, see the
attached Backgrounder. 

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