Yvonne Jones 'hopeful' Ottawa will step up with money for Labrador projects

The MP for Labrador says she is "hopeful" that the federal government willstep up to complete major projects in Labrador, because the Newfoundland and Labrador governmentdoesn't have the money.

"Absolutely, I'm hopeful. I'm very hopeful," Yvonne Jones told Labrador Morning Friday.

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Jones, who has just finished a series of budgetconsultations in her riding, said the money could come from a $20-billion infrastructure fund that is meant to stimulate the economy over the next decade.

She said provincial Finance Minister Cathy Bennett has made it clear that the province can't afford to payfor paving work on the Trans-Labrador Highway or completion of the Nain airport.

"Provincial revenues will not be thereI have already been told thatto complete those projects and it's going to be incumbent on thefederalgovernment, and I guess myself as the MP,to try and secure the revenues for that project," said Jones.

"I'llbe working very closely with the provincialgovernment," she said. "Everythingis already moving on that front. Therequest may have already been put forward."

Jones said the federal government will be looking at ways to save money in its everyday spending, but has committed to big infrastructure projects as a way to create jobs.