Local government supports increased regional involvement in roading funding

1 July 2005

“We welcome the increased emphasis on regional involvement in the distribution of the record $1.7 billion National Land Transport Programme, announced yesterday by Land Transport New Zealand” says Local Government New Zealand President Basil Morrison.

“Local government is not only important partners in the roading network but is also significant owners and operators of roads. The National Land Transport Programme has a 20 percent increase in roading funding with $480 million spent on local roads linked to priorities set by regions, matched by a local government contribution of $386 million.

“While the focus is understandably on extending and continuing the network of state highways, the increased allocation to local roads underlines the importance of the local roading network. The programme also reflects the need to maintain existing roads as well as develop new roads. For some districts 78 percent of funding in the programme will go to maintaining existing roads rather than new roads.

“I also welcome the detailed transport discussions currently underway between the Government and Auckland, Wellington, Bay of Plenty and Waikato regions, areas heavily affected by the national state highway network. These underline the need for a holistic approach to traffic needs and the consequences of the traffic flows created by the state highway networks, said Mr Morrison.

ENDS

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