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February
26, 2008
“DEVOLIN
SUPPORTS COMMUTER RAIL LINE FOR THIS AREA IN 2008 FEDERAL BUDGET”
OTTAWA
– Local MP Barry
Devolin is proud to support the balanced, 2008 Federal Budget which
includes re-establishing rail service between
Peterborough
and
Toronto
, something that was shut down about 20 years ago.
The
announcement was part of the Budget Speech delivered yesterday in
the House of Commons by Finance Minister Jim Flaherty.
In total, the Conservative government will provide $500
million to support capital investments in public transit across
Canada
.
"Obviously
this is great news for people living in
Peterborough
. It's also great for everyone living along the rail line
between here and
Toronto
," said Devolin. "I expect the station in Pontypool
will re-open, providing convenient access to downtown
Toronto
for everyone in Kawartha Lakes and
Haliburton
County
."
“It
will cost approximately $88 million to upgrade the existing railway
tracks and rail infrastructure to support high-speed passenger rail
and freight service,” said Devolin.
“I have been told the service will be up and running by
2010.”
“Re-establishment of this
service not only means great news for thousands of commuters in this
area, it’s also positive for the environment,” stated Devolin.
“As we all know, mass transit has the ability to take
hundreds of vehicles off our roads and with a stop in
Pontypool
, this will benefit thousands on a daily basis."
In
addition to the investment in public transit, the budget offers:
- $110
million for new mental-health projects;
- $282
million over two years to support war veterans;
- $90
million to extend a program that helps unemployed older workers
find jobs in depressed regions;
- $60
million to allow low-income seniors collecting the Guaranteed
Income Supplement to earn $3,500 -- up from $500 -- before
that benefit is clawed back.;
- A
brand new tax-free savings account; and
- $400
million to hire 2,500 new police officers;
-
30 –
For
more information contact:
Barry
Devolin (705)
324-2400 or (866) 688-9881
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