27 January 2005

Wellington delighted by new funding

The Capital should be delighted at today's announcement of an extra $225 million in new money for transport in the Wellington region, Wellington Central MP Marian Hobbs said today.

"This underlines this government's determination to reverse years of underinvestment in the '90's and address the region's transport needs," Marian Hobbs added. "Easing congestion in Wellington will have national benefits."

Marian Hobbs was absent from today's announcement, attending an international conference on the nuclear non-proliferation treaty in Atlanta USA as Minister for Disarmament and Arms Control.

"With today's announcement we have boosted spending on Wellington transport by close to half a billion dollars since becoming the government in 1999," Marian Hobbs said. "Transport spending between 2000 and 2005 was up $38 million or 58 per cent, the Investing for Growth package announced in December 2003 is to deliver an extra $220 million for transport over the next 10 years and now we have $225 million in new money specifically for public transport, reducing congestion and improving access. That's additional provision of $483 million.

"And there is a fourth step still to come – addressing the issue of the Western Corridor, for which a final study is now underway.

"This latest announcement is further testament to this government's ability to work in partnership with local government, achieving significant benefit for the public.It is also a tribute to the region's MPs, local government representatives and regional business representatives who've met regularly to focus on regional issues."

ENDS

© Scoop Media