03/12/2008

SNP Government commit additional capital money for Borders Rail

The Scottish Government is to provide additional capital resources to the Borders Railway Project that will accelerate a wide ranging package of advance works SNP MSP Christine Grahame has confirmed. Up to £1million will be allocated before the end of the current financial year (March 2009) to allow development and preparatory work to begin. Ms Grahame said:

“This announcement pulls the rug from under the feet of those critics, notably the Liberal Democrats, who have doubted the SNP’s commitment to the railway in the Borders. This confirms beyond reasonable doubt that the Scottish Government is absolutely committed to the reinstatement of rail to the Borders, a infrastructure project that will stimulate the local economy and bring jobs and prosperity in future years.

“The additional money being committed by SNP Ministers will be used to develop and prepare the line when actual rail construction begins in 2010. The advance works involve the diversion of key utility services along the route of the railway and other major associated works.

“The announcement today demonstrates that construction is on target and the Scottish Government is moving ahead with its commitment to deliver this railway, something the Liberals and Labour coalition singularly failed to do during their 8 years in power in Edinburgh.

“I have asked Transport Scotland to keep me advised of ongoing progress and will report that progress to constituents as the project steams ahead.”

SNP It’s time.....