Letter to the Editor -
(Copies of this letter were sent to Premier Danny Williams, Humber-St. Barbe-Baie Verte MP Gerry Byrne and Straits and White Bay North MHA Marshall Dean)
Dear Premier Williams,
I was delighted to hear the announcement on CBC News by the honourable Peter MacKay, our federal representative, that $30 million would be spent on rural roads in our province this year. I am anticipating and impressing up you the need for 'gravel' roads to be given top priority for this funding.
As the former mayor of the Town of Conche I write to remind your government of a commitment made to our town in 2008. In February 2008, as the mayor of Conche, I met with our then MHA, the honourable Trevor Taylor, and then minister of transportation and works, the honourable Dianne Whelan, to discuss further upgrading and paving of Route 434, the 26 kms of gravel road between Conche and Roddickton. At this meeting both MHAs made the commitment that upgrading be completed by 2008 and paving by 2009.
The Town of Conche was more than grateful to have the upgrading completed in 2008, however, when no paving whatsoever occurred in 2009 the town was very disappointed to say the least.
It took five years to have this road upgraded and due to climactic conditions here the first and second phases have already shown signs of serious deterioration. If this road isn't paved this year the monies spent will have gone to waste.
As mayor of Conche, when this commitment was made, I urge you and your minister of transportation, the honourable Thomas Hedderson, to make the paving of Route 434 top priority this year.
I look forward to a prompt response to our plight as I firmly believe that gravel roads are a 'no-no' in this day and age. For many years it has interfered with the development of tourism and improvements to the fishery in this town. I trust that you will continue to do your very best to make rural Newfoundland a worthwhile place to live.
I thank you for your cooperation in this matter.
Respectfully,
Gerry P. Bromley
Conche
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