Infrastructure plan good news for Kapiti and Horowhenua
Otaki MP Nathan Guy has welcomed the Government’s National Infrastructure Plan and the transport investment going into Kapiti and Horowhenua.
“This plan confirms the Government’s commitment to $17 billion of investment over the next four years on assets like schools, hospitals, state houses, prisons, roads, rail and broadband.
“On top of that, $5.5 billion is going towards the rebuild of Canterbury.
“A key part of this programme is a transport network that links rail, sea and air ports and the roading network. The Wellington to Levin Road of National Significance is a major part of that.
“This week we’ve seen two big steps forward.
“KiwiRail and the Greater Wellington Regional Council have signed an asset transfer agreement, as part of a package to rebuild Wellington’s commuter rail services. This includes government funding of $88.4 million to renew the signalling and traction assets on the network.
“Also, a Board of Inquiry by the Environment Protection Agency (EPA) has approved NZTA plans for the Waterview Connection roading project in Auckland, made in just 10 months.
“This was a test case for the EPA and this reduced time all bodes well for a quick decision on the Kapiti expressway, while still allowing community voices to be heard. Previously getting a consent and designation could take up to five years.
“This is also a very positive sign for other big developments like Transmission Gully.
“After decades of talk, we are finally getting the infrastructure we need. The Government is making a massive investment into the future of our region that will set us up for decades.”