The budget for the Works and Engineering Ministry remains unchanged for the year 2000, but the Minister remains confident in its role as support for the rest of Government.

Alex Scott was speaking after it was announced his Ministry will get $42.9 million to manage its diverse mandate including trash pick-up and building supervision this year.

"What we hope to do is continue to improve service to the public and the other ministers and ministries for the coming year,'' Mr. Scott said.

"Works and Engineering services the other ministries and the community. More than most Ministries,'' he added. "We impact on the lives of individuals every day.'' While he did not want to foreshadow the upcoming Budget debate speech, Mr.

Scott said Government would begin work to upgrade the only land link to most of St. George's Parish, the Causeway.

A total of $2.29 million will be spent on work for the Causeway, Swing Bridge, and Longbird Bridge.

For the Causeway, Mr. Scott said the work will centre for now on strengthening the foundation.

In the future the narrow bridge will be widened and straightened in areas that have been found to be "problematic'' with frequent accidents he said.

Government's plans to buy properties in which its ministries are housed have first prompted redevelopment plans for current buildings.

W&E will spend $5.2 million on office redevelopment and $2 million for relocation and alterations this year, in addition to $3 being spent on building upgrades.

Mr. Scott's Ministry will oversee $19.4 million in projects as part of the capital plan, work which includes redevelopment of the public docks for the upgraded ferry service.

"You'll find that W&E manages $200 to 250 million worth of projects within Government, the bulk of that coming from other budgets,'' he said.

"Our operational budget hasn't changed. Yes, it's a big responsibility to be relied on like that.'' The Bermuda Land Development Company has been allocated $6.5 million for it to continue renovating Southside.