News Release

2 August 2012

Local Boards given more say on transport

Auckland’s Local Boards will be able to access $10 million per annum for local transport projects after a decision made by the Strategy and Finance Committee yesterday.

The boards will be able to use their share of the annual funding for any local transport capital works, provided they are technically deliverable and meet transport safety requirements.

“Although Auckland Transport will retain responsibility for the budget and delivery, it will be up to the Local Boards to decide how the funds would best be used,” says Mayor Len Brown.

The budget can be bundled and carried over into later years or by bringing future years of the budget forward. This ensures that Local Boards have the freedom to work on a number of smaller projects or bring the funds together for a larger project.

“This funding is flexible and that reflects both the faith we have in our Local Boards and the complexity and variety of projects across different parts of the region.”

Mayor Len Brown advocated strongly for dedicated Local Board transport funding during the Long-term Plan process and welcomes the decision by the committee.

“The scope is for Local Boards to prioritise local projects they believe will benefit their community and I look forward to seeing these projects eventuate in the coming years,” says the Mayor.

With the exception of Waiheke and Great Barrier Local Boards, allocation of the $10 million will be divided according to population of the respective board areas.

Ends

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