Province pledges $645-million for capital projects
Posted Jan 19, 2016 10:27:28 AM.
Last Updated Jan 19, 2016 11:40:29 PM.
This article is more than 5 years old.
HALIFAX – The McNeil government pledged $645 million in capital spending for the coming fiscal year, including a one time $164.2 million cost for the Halifax Convention Centre.
Finance Minister Randy Delorey released Nova Scotia’s capital plan for 2016-2017 on Tuesday morning, which included a $480.8 million investment in schools, healthcare facilities and other public infrastructure.
The plan also put $26.5 million into hospitals for improvements and equipment purchases. It also includes $1.5 million for planning around the relocation of services from the aging Victoria General hospital site.
Both opposition parties said on Tuesday the investment in health care was inadequate with so many needs and problems with aging facilities.
Delorey said it takes time for large infrastructure pieces like hospitals, adding he would rather get it right than rush and get it wrong.
The Liberals also plan to spend $82 million to build and renovate schools.
A one time expense will also be paid by the province, at 164.2 miillion, for the Halifax Convention Centre, which is slated to open in 2017. The province holds the lease on the building and will be compensated by both HRM and the Federal Government over the term of 25 years.
Transportation Minister Geoff MacLellan released his five year highway improvement plan, which includes the continued 100-series highway expansions.
The full list of slated infrastructure projects can be found on the government website. The plans are subject to the budget being passed in the legislature this spring.
