Napier-Gisborne rail link set aside

Napier-Gisborne rail link set aside until Tranz Rail arrangements clarified

Transfund New Zealand has set aside a bid for financial assistance to ensure the Napier-Gisborne rail link remains open at the request of the applicant, the Hawkes Bay Regional Council.

Earlier this month, council general manager Andrew Caseley wrote to Transfund requesting the application be set aside pending clarification of the new arrangements between the government and Tranz Rail. He also said that the council would wish the application to proceed should there be major uncertainties about the arrangements.

The Hawkes Bay Regional Council, also acting on behalf of Gisborne District Council, made an initial application in August 2001 for financial assistance to enable the rail line to remain open.

Following the government's announcements on land transport funding policies in February last year and subsequent changes in Transfund's funding criteria, the regional council resubmitted its request. ENDS

Transfund New Zealand is the government agency responsible for allocating funding toward an affordable, integrated, safe, responsive and sustainable land transport system for New Zealand. It funds a range of transport solutions based on funding applications received from Transit New Zealand, territorial authorities and regional councils. See our website www.transfund.govt.nz for more information.

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