June 8, 2011
Repairs Planned for Roads Damaged in 2011 Flood
– – –Roads to be Restored to Condition Prior to Water Damage: Ashton
A full inventory review of roads damaged during the flood of 2011 is taking place and crews have begun to restore them to their pre-flood condition, Infrastructure and Transportation Minister Steve Ashton announced today.
“The flood of 2011 affected an unprecedented amount of land and water damage to our provincial roads was substantial,” said Ashton. “That’s why we are moving quickly to assess the damage and repair the roadways to ensure better transportation and safety on our roads for Manitobans.”
It is estimated that damages to roads, bridges and structures will total over $40 million, however, the minister noted that a full damage assessment will not be finished until flood waters recede. The province will pursue disaster financial assistance to recoup the majority of costs, said Ashton.
Restoration of the roads has begun in some areas. In others, it will begin once flood waters have receded.
“The Highway Renewal Plan was always designed to be flexible and responsive to emerging needs,” said the minister. “We have a big job ahead of us, but we are committed to getting it done.”
Advances of up to 60 per cent or $100,000, whichever is greater, of repair costs will be made to municipalities against disaster financial assistance claims. These advances, along with the improvement of a $5 per-capita cap on municipal cost sharing introduced in 2009, will allow municipalities to more quickly restore roads and other infrastructure, Ashton said.
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