In late June, the Government announced additional funding for high priority transport projects. These include improving safety on local roads, public transport, walking and cycling improvements and restoring roads damaged by natural events. There will be up to 50% more funding for locally delivered projects that are classified as high priority.
At the time, Waikato District Mayor Allan Sanson said he, “Welcomed the announcement by Transport Minister Phil Twyford and the Transport Agency of enhanced funding assistance rates (FAR).” And added, ““This increase in subsidy from central government will assist councils like Waikato District in bringing forward new high priority locally-led road safety improvement activities under the 2018-21 National Land Transport Programme (NLTP). The announcements from government also sees funding for improving the effectiveness of public transport, walking and cycling improvements and overall improvements to network resilience.”
With a requirement that the accelerated projects start by September, Raglanites have been waiting to see if any of the additional funding will be spent on improving roads, public transport, walking and cycling in Raglan Whaingaroa. So far there hasn’t been any word.
The accelerated projects are ones that target reducing a high risk of death and injury, provide public transport that enables access to social and economic opportunities, or complete the missing link in walk or cycling route.
The Raglan Community Board needs to ensure WDC knows about any high priority Raglan Whaingaroa projects that fit the criteria to ensure we get a fair share of the additional funding.
More information can be found on the NZTA website here.