June 20, 2000
MEDIA STATEMENT

SMALL PROJECTS RECEIVE $3 MILLION

Road, rail and ferry commuters throughout Auckland will benefit from the $3 million worth of grants approved by Infrastructure Auckland today, in its second allocation of funds to transport and stormwater projects in the Auckland region.

The funding agency had received applications for 26 projects under the Simplified Procedures category which makes it easier for applicants to seek grants when the amount applied for is under half a million dollars.

Infrastructure Auckland Chairman, Mr John Robertson, says the allocations made this afternoon will help to fund 21 transport and stormwater projects throughout the Auckland region.

“The Board has been very impressed with the calibre of applications in this second Simplified Procedures funding round. Our funds must be applied to the very best solutions for transport and stormwater problems, and these applications have withstood careful deliberation,” he said.

“The Board has decided to give financial assistance to a wide range of projects, including the installation of litter traps in numerous waterways and the construction of canopies and weather shelters for passengers using ferries on the Waitemata Harbour.”

Funding has been approved for Bus Priority Measures along the congested Pakuranga Road and Ellerslie-Panmure Highway arterial routes. Funding has also been approved for lighting upgrades in five Auckland rail stations, which is expected to significantly improve commuter safety in and around the stations.

Infrastructure Auckland has assets totalling some $900 million, which are managed using sound business practice to provide tangible benefits for the community, through grants to transport and stormwater infrastructure projects.

The first round of small projects funding was completed in November last year, with $1.68 million allocated to 17 projects across the Auckland region. Mr Robertson says that the increase in applications in this second funding round indicates that Infrastructure Auckland is succeeding in its mandate to fund transport and stormwater projects that provide substantial ‘public good’.

“It’s a pleasure for us to support projects that will provide substantial community benefits. Today’s allocations demonstrate Infrastructure Auckland’s commitment to distributing funds to projects which provide the greatest benefit for Auckland’s current and future generations.”

For further information please contact
Richard Maher, Chief Executive Officer or
John Robertson, Chairman, Infrastructure Auckland, telephone – (09) 379 2540. INFMR045

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