New Grace Road alignment completed

[CAWED]

_NEW GRACE ROAD ALIGNMENT COMPLETED_

_SURREY, B.C. -- The $6.6 million realignment of Grace Road is now
complete and providing improved access for industrial traffic between
the Patullo Bridge and Fraser Surrey Docks._

The _Honourable Herb Dhaliwal, Minister of National Revenue _and_ MP
for Vancouver South-Burnaby; Surrey-Whalley MLA Joan Smallwood; _and_
Surrey Mayor Doug McCallum_ were on hand today for the official
opening of the three-lane alignment which forms the first component of
the proposed _South Fraser Perimeter Road_.

"This Grace Road alignment has and will continue to provide a number
of benefits, including easing the movement of heavy industrial
traffic, creating ready access to the Fraser Surrey Docks and,
ultimately, economic benefits," said _Minister Dhaliwal_ on behalf of
_Ron J. Duhamel, Secretary of State for Western Economic
Diversification_ and minister responsible for implementation of the
infrastructure program in Western Canada. "I am pleased that the
Canada/British Columbia component of this program was in place to
support the commercial transportation demands in Surrey."

"Development of an east-west corridor for commercial traffic on the
south side of the Fraser River is an important element in ensuring
future economic growth in Surrey and the surrounding area. That is why
investment in infrastructure projects such as this one, in partnership
with B.C. communities, is a key component of the provincial
government’s three year plan to stimulate the economy and create
jobs," said _Smallwood_.

"The previous alignment was put in place 12 years ago. It was a
temporary measure that could not sustain the heavy industrial traffic
that use it for lack of a suitable alternative," said _McCallum_.
"This new three kilometer alignment improves traffic flow and provides
better access to under-developed industrial land. Increased access
means increased opportunity for development and economic growth."

The _Grace Road project_ was funded through Phase 1 of the
_Canada/British Columbia Infrastructure Works Program_, with the
cost-shared equally by the federal and provincial governments and the
_City of Surrey_.

This component has funded more than 400 projects valued at $ 675
million and created more than 9,000 jobs. A top-up to the program was
announced in April 1997 and combines contributions from the federal
and provincial governments and local partners for a total of more than
$150 million.

"This initiative underlines the Government of Canada commitment to
work in partnership to create jobs in all regions of this country,"
said _Minister Dhaliwal_. "It’s part of building a stronger
economic future for all Canadians."

The bulk of this additional funding will be spent on transportation
infrastructure, with the balance of funding allocated to community and
telecommunications projects. The program is coordinated by the
_Ministry of Employment and Investment_ as part of the provincial
government’s three year plan to reduce taxes, cut red tape and
invest in education to create jobs and stimulate the economy.

Federal funding for this initiative was provided in the 1995 budget
and is built into the existing fiscal framework. This announcement is
an example of how the federal government is prioritizing its spending
so that it can better serve Canadians by making efficient use of their
tax dollars.