MONTREAL —  Quebec’s government announced on Monday it will invest more than $1.5 billion in the province’s ports over the next five years as part of what it calls its “Maritime Strategy,” including money for improving roads to speed up cargo movement at the Port of Montreal.

The Montreal Port Authority (MPA) said it welcomed the news that includes a commitment to invest $75 million in a major project to improve road access and a plan to improve marine infrastructure, plus create a new program to support intermodal port infrastructure projects.

“I enthusiastically welcome this first ever Quebec Maritime Strategy, that I believe marks a turning point for our industry,” said Sylvie Vachon, president and CEO of the MPA. “This strategy will strengthen the collaborative efforts already underway between marine industry and supply chain players to develop concrete projects that generate economic benefits through the best environmental and social practices.”

The Quebec Government has chosen to support the implementation of value-added distribution centers in various regions, including Vaudreuil-Soulanges and Contrecoeur, while the government also intends to support CargoM, which promotes the multi-site logistics hub model, according to the MPA.

The Quebec government also intends to back private investment projects in industrial port areas.

The Port of Montreal handled more than 1.4 million TEUs (20-foot equivalent units) in 2014, representing nearly 12.6 tons of cargo. The facility is connected to the two national rail networks and a highway system.