Reduced roading in estimates

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 6, Issue 244, 31 May 1988, Page 12

Reduced roading in estimates

88 Rating Reports

Upgrading of the Miro Street hill in Ohakune and the Pipiriki Road were the main subjects of discussion when roading expenditure was debated at the District Council estimates meeting.

It was decided to go ahead with the $80,000 Miro Street project but to seek special funding for the Pipiriki Road. Councillors were told that in Ohakune the Miro Street job was a major priority. There had been numerous accidents on the hill section of the street at the Ohakune Junction. Cr Errol Sue said the accident count was serious there. Already one street running on to Miro Street had been closed because of the danger area. District Manager Mr John Murrihy said the council would have to contribute $33,600 and the balance would come

from a National Roads Board subsidy. The meeting accepted $330,400 worth of road works in Ohakune, $185,900 of which wiH come from subsidies. Unsubsidised works totalling $40,300 were also approved. These include $20,000 worth of kerbing and channelling, $10,000 worth of footpaths and $5000 on footbridges. The rural ward had a $1.07 million roading programme for the year on its estimates. But after lengthy discussion on the Pipiriki Road it was decided to cut the $100,000 Pipiriki Road project from the budget and apply for special

funding assistance on the grounds of special need. Councillors felt the ^Pipiriki Road was primarily a tourist route and therefore special funding was justified. Cr Doug Bennett suggested cutting the $100,000 estimate in half. Cr Peggy Frew said

she wanted to see it deleted. "It's just not appropriate with the size of the rate increase we're looking at," she said. Chairman Mr Garrick Workman suggested the council should make a case for special purpose funding. Cr Bennett said he felt by leaving i n $50,000 the council

was showing that it had faith in the job as a priority. Even if the relevant subsidy of $23,000 was not approved, the council's contribution could be used elsewhere. Cr Bill Harding said the council should leave it in anyway, because it would not get the subsidy and therefore it would not matter. Mr Murrihy said the council would lose face if it was not prepared to fund its share. Mr Workman recom-

mended withdrawing it completely and making a case for special funding assistance. Councillors agreed to his suggestion. The rural ward estimates provided for $555,000 of general maintenance and $203,000 for reseals. Total subsidies of $626,340 were budgeted for. The Ohakune Mountain Road will have $286,000 of National Roads Board money spent on it this year. This i n c 1 u d e s

$121,700 of resealing, $73,100 of shape correction and $48,800 on general maintenance. Because it is a special purpose road, all of the expenditure is met by the Government. Provision has been made for flood damage of $20,000. In Raetihi the total provision for roading is almost $200,000, of which $137,500 will come from subsidies. Resealing and maintenance account for about $140,000.