MEDIA RELEASE

Gov. Linda Lingle has released $475,000 for highway drainage improvements on the Big Island.

This project is part of the $1.8 billion public infrastructure construction plan unveiled by Lingle in December to stimulate the economy and create jobs. 

“Correcting drainage problems along our highways allows us to protect them from erosion and, more importantly, prevent water-related accidents from occurring,” Lingle said.

These funds will be used for drainage improvements on Hawaii Belt Road in the vicinity of Hakalau Bridge in Hilo, including the installation of a drainage spillway and culverts. Of the funds, $460,000 will cover construction costs and $15,000 will be used to lease land for construction easements.

The total project cost is estimated to be $2,715,000, which includes $400,000 previously released for design, $1.84 million in federal funds and an additional $60,000 for construction provided by Amtrak for non-Amtrak states under the Taxpayer Relief Act of 1997. 

Design for this project is scheduled to be complete in December 2009. Construction is scheduled to begin in June 2010 and be completed in January 2011.

Progress of the more than 1,500 projects included in the plan can be tracked on the governor’s Web site at www.hawaii.gov/cip.