NEWS RELEASE

30 July 2001

Transfund decision acknowledges importance of the Britomart project

Mayor of Auckland City, Chris Fletcher and Auckland Regional Council chairman Phil Warren have welcomed the decision of transport funding agency Transfund to grant $20 million towards the Britomart project.

Mrs Fletcher said, “The decision is an important milestone in the realisation of the project recognising the pivotal role of Britomart in the regions transport network and future.”

“We have an unprecedented level of regional support to get on with this important project which has the potential to be the catalyst for a quantum improvement in transportation,” said Chris Fletcher

ARC chairman Phil Warren says, “The decision is most welcome and represents acknowledgment by a key government funding agency of the project’s importance.”

“Britomart is imperative for the region as a whole. For too long the region has been subject to divide and rule, however on this project we are united as it is the number one priority in our regional transport strategy,” said Mr Warren.

The Transfund board have effectively contributed a $10 million capital grant to the project and a further $10 million for patronage which is subject to an agreement between Auckland City and the Regional Council.

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Mr Warren has indicated that he will be recommending to the Auckland Regional Council that the total $20million be allocated to the construction of the Britomart transport interchange.

He said, the Transfund decision has put the ARC in a difficult position as a result of Government policy that constrains Transfund’s ability to contribute to both capital and operating costs, and welcomes Auckland City’s support to change this policy.

Mrs Fletcher said, “Our focus is now on the funding gap of $46 million to make the revised $199 million project a reality. Auckland City and the region are united in their expectation that Infrastructure Auckland will bridge the gap.”

“This is a unique and courageous decision from Transfund that recognises the importance of Britomart to alleviate congestion and benefit both road and passenger transport users.

“As an essential and urgently needed part of Auckland’s transport infrastructure we are thankful for this decision and hope that as a region we can continue to make courageous decisions to move forward,” said Chris Fletcher.

ENDS

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