East Coast MP Dana Kirkpatrick says yesterday’s Budget shows a continued commitment to and investment in transport and cyclone recovery that will help Tairāwhiti get back on its feet.
“It will be a multi-year recovery process,” she said.
“$1 billion has been allocated across the country but the initiatives for our region will make a considerable difference.
“We know people have been hurting in the regions, but those in cyclone-devastated areas are particularly doing it hard and this is some comfort to us getting the clean-up completed, getting our roads fixed and making sure our economy can function - which will drive jobs, income and resilience.”
Local Budget funding includes $221 million to the Gisborne District Council for the cost of the Crown’s buyout of Category 3 (unsafe to live in) residential properties and $27m for the treatment of woody debris.