[amor de cosmos]

here's that announcement:

Feb 14, 2009 13:00 ET
Government of Canada Highlights Further Improvements to Trans-Canada Highway Through Banff

CALGARY, ALBERTA--(Marketwire - Feb. 14, 2009) - The Honourable Jim Prentice, federal Environment Minister and Minister responsible for Parks Canada, today highlighted new resources for the twinning of the Trans-Canada Highway in Banff National Park, an investment recently announced in Canada's Economic Action Plan.

"With Canada's Economic Action Plan, we are taking immediate action to improve roads, create jobs and provide the infrastructure Canada needs to grow in the years to come," said Minister Prentice. "This funding provides real action and real stimulus, while ensuring tangible benefits for Banff National Park and its millions of visitors for years to come and will contribute to the region's reputation as a world-class destination."

Budget 2009 - Canada's Economic Action Plan - provides for $130 million to complete the twinning of the Trans-Canada Highway in Banff National Park with an additional eight kilometres twinned between Lake Louise and the British Columbia border. The funding also includes the construction of a new interchange at the intersection of the Trans-Canada Highway and the Icefields Parkway (Highway 93 North).

This area of highway has been the site of several fatal traffic accidents and is considered one of the most serious remaining congestion points between Vancouver and Calgary. The Trans-Canada Highway twinning project seeks to maximize motorist safety, bring about environmental improvements, resolve wildlife and traffic conflicts and facilitate the safe and efficient flow of commercial goods and services on Canada's national highway.

This investment is in addition to a $100 million investment announced by Prime Minister Stephen Harper in August 2008, which permits upgrades to the 14 kilometres of two-lane highway remaining on the Trans-Canada between Lake Louise and Banff.

"In the past year, our Government has committed over $230 million to Trans-Canada Highway twinning - the largest investment ever made in Banff National Park," added Minister Prentice. "We are committed to delivering projects that stimulate our economy, create jobs and ensure the safety of Canadians traveling on our roadways."

As part of Canada's Economic Action Plan, the government is delivering immediate action and investments in infrastructure. This is a targeted plan that will create and maintain jobs for today and tomorrow. The plan invests $4.5 billion over the next two years for infrastructure projects in Alberta.

(Also available on the Internet at www.pc.gc.ca under Media Room.)

http://www.marketwire.com/press-rele...da-949817.html