May 12, 2004 РAt a press conference on May 4 in Montreal, the Quebec Minister for Transport, Julie Boulet, announced investments of $7.5 million to build the Route Verte in 2004 Р2005. Of this amount, $2.5 million will go to the financial aid program for Route Verte construction, accessible to municipalities and other regional builders of the Route. Another $5 million will be used to pave shoulders (120 km) along roads maintained by the minist̬re des Transports. On top of that, one million will be spent on shared maintenance costs (50%-50%) for off-road portions of the Route verte.

With the arrival of the new provincial government in 2003 and a slowdown in investments, there was concern that interest in completing the Route Verte might decrease. “But that's not the case,” said Jean-François Pronovost, General Manager of Velo Quebec. “This news is clear proof that finishing the Route Verte is a priority for Minister Boulet and the Government of Quebec. The Government recognizes the Route's impact in terms of tourism and economic spin-off as well as health benefits. With that announcement, the Minister has given us the green light for work in 2004, 2005 and 2006 that will enable us to soon announce the international launch date of the Route Verte.”

The Route Verte is a bicycle route that will eventually span 4,300 kilometres and is already 76% complete (3,270 km). A study by the Chair of Tourism at the Université du Québec shows that the Route Verte in its current state generates annual economic spin-offs of $95 million, including $15 million in taxes for the Government of Quebec. Uniform and standardized signage marks off the Route Verte and an official guide with detailed maps, La Route Verte du Quebec (2003 edition), has been published.

The Route Verte originated with Velo Quebec. It was built in conjunction with the Government of Quebec, particularly the Ministere des Transports, as well as regional partners.