Paving plant in province’s best interests: premier
Posted Mar 24, 2011 06:01:07 AM.
This article is more than 5 years old.
The Dexter government is on the defence again over its plan to get into the paving business.
In a speech to the Nova Scotia Chambers of Commerce Premier Darrell Dexter says it’s a decision he stands by because it’s in the best interests of the province.
He says worries that it will shut out other companies are unfounded and there will still be plenty of work to go around.
“I think it will be the third largest road building budget in our province’s history,” he said. “There is still going to be an extraordinary amount of work for road builders. They will be able to tender on projects and if they have the best bid they will win the project.”
Dexter also says it’s a good thing for the entire province because the government can drive competition.
“We find we can do it significantly cheaper because we have our own equipment,” he said. “That provides the kind of competitive advantage and force that means if they want to get the tenders they’re going to have to bring the price down.”
He says paving companies generally go for bigger jobs, and the province’s paving equipment could be used to deal with smaller paving projects in rural areas.
