Manawatū Gorge replacement highway funding welcomed by Business
Source: Business Central
--
Business Central welcomes the Government's announcement of initial funding of $100 million, and a further ear-marked
funding totaling $620 million for construction of the Manawatū Gorge replacement highway.
"Our members in the Manawatū and beyond will be pleased with this news, as allocating this funding will enable
construction to start quickly once the consent process is complete," says John Milford, Business Central Chief
Executive.
"But we are also mindful that Government needs to move more quickly and be lining up new projects as other transport
construction work begins to wrap up.
"The Manawatū Gorge replacement highway is a crucial transport link and investment needs to be seen as part of the wider
Central and Lower North Island network, which also includes the other projects that are currently in doubt - such as the
Otaki to Levin project, the full Let's Get Wellington Moving package, Petone to Grenada, Melling Interchange, and State
Highway 58 safety improvements.
"Our latest business confidence survey again shows that business continues to be concerned about regional transport
infrastructure, identifying it as a barrier that is holding them back. The feedback from business is clear. The
Government must invest further in these pro-growth projects that the regional economy needs."
ENDS