Goias to begin drafting hwy. recovery projects

Brazil's Goias state transport and works agency Agetop will begin drafting highway recovery projects this month, the state government reported. Works will be carried out on 22 stretches totaling 1,033km, part of a third group that fall under Goias' US$130mn highway management program Pro-Melhor. The World Bank approved a US$65mn loan in 2001 for the program that will run through 2006. Pro-Melhor manager Joao Skaf Filho said that works should begin next June or July, and that the WB has greenlighted the publication of bidding rules to carry out the works. Meanwhile, a second group of paving works that fall under the program should also begin next year, which will benefit more than 250km. Some 170mn reais (US$57.7mn) will be invested on Pro-Melhor works in 2004.