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Design work for Waiohine Bridge and Muldoon's Corner are proposed to start this year as part of the National Land Transport Programme's highest-ever budget of $1.4b.
Wairarapa MP Georgina Beyer says Transfund has allocated $104.8m to Wellington region in 2004/05, $2.4m more than last year.
"Over recent years, Wairarapa has done well from the funding. The modest increase in funds this year simply reflects the fact that major projects can bump up the figures one year in particular regions. Nationally, Transfund is spending 50 per cent more than three years ago and we've been getting our fair share."
Georgina Beyer says Wairarapa travellers will also be glad to know there's funding to complete the upgrading of SH2 from Kaitoke to Te Marua this year.
The Waiohine Bridge replacement is scheduled to start construction next year and Muldoon's Corner the following year.
Georgina Beyer says Wellington region's allocation from Transfund does not include the regional share of the increased fuel tax of 5 cents a litre that takes effect next April. This will add an estimated $22.2m for Wellington region projects in 2005/06.
"I would certainly like to see some of that funding used to bring forward the work on Muldoon's corner and Waiohine Bridge replacement even earlier than the priority we have won for these projects," she said.
In addition, she says the government has recently committed to working jointly with Wellington local authorities to comprehensively address the region's transport needs.
Road maintenance gets a major share of Wellington's allocation, some $40.8m million, a $5m increase.
Georgina Beyer says she's particularly pleased to see that Transfund has received funding bids to upgrade the English Electric passenger train units, to renovate railway stations through the Wellington region and to cart logs from Wairarapa and Rangitikei to Wellington's port.
"I've long been an advocate for rail and the just implemented deal between the government and Toll should ensure that we get some real improvements in commuter and freight services to and from Wairarapa."
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