NOTE TO EDITORS: Staff will be available to media at 10:45 a.m. in the Media Room, 1700 Granville St. Finance Minister Diana Whalen will be available for questions at 11 a.m. at the same location.

Nova Scotia will invest $535 million in capital projects and public infrastructure through the 2014-15 Capital Plan, Finance and Treasury Board Minister Diana Whalen announced today, Dec. 23.

“These projects will stimulate the economy, revitalize important infrastructure, and keep people working,” said Ms. Whalen. “Investments outlined in this plan will better support health care, provide safer travel around the province, and modernize our children’s schools.”

Through the 2014-15 Capital Plan, government will invest:
— $240.8 million in highways and structures
— $135 million in buildings and land
— $45.4 million in information technology projects
— $13.3 million in vehicles and equipment
— $80.3 million in capital grants

There is also a contingency fund of $20.2 million.

More than 100 projects will be funded through the Capital Plan. It includes $52.6 million for hospitals and other medical facilities construction, repair and renewal, $18 million for medical equipment replacement, $81.5 million for the construction of 10 new schools and improvements to 18 others, and $235 million in highway improvements. The Department of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal will release its 5-Year Highway Improvement Plan in early 2014.

The province is continuing the practice of announcing capital expenditures in advance of the spring budget. This allows Nova Scotians to see where tax dollars are being spent and helps businesses prepare for upcoming projects.

A copy of the 2014-15 Capital Plan can be found at www.novascotia.ca/finance .

Source: Release