September 10, 2014
Manitoba Government Invests Nearly $2 Million for Southwest Region Municipal Roads
BRANDON—The Manitoba government is partnering with municipalities in the southwest area to invest more than $1.9 million for municipal roads, keeping communities linked, and ensuring safe and smooth travel for local families, commercial vehicles and tourists, Premier Greg Selinger announced here today.
“The southwest area of our province contains many important high traffic roadways that have now reached their best-before date and are in need of upgrades,” said Premier Selinger. “Fifty-three communities have identified 96 projects that will help them benefit from the economic growth and good jobs that come with these projects.”
Developed and delivered in partnership with the Association of Manitoba Municipalities (AMM), these projects are funded through the Municipal Road Improvement Program. It will provide a total of $50 million over five years to repair and renew municipal roads across the province, the premier said.
“The funding being announced today is important because it will not only help tackle the municipal infrastructure deficit, it will have a direct impact on the lives of citizens throughout southwestern Manitoba,” said Doug Dobrowolski, president, AMM. “The AMM is pleased to be part of the selection process, especially since these dollars are over what municipalities currently receive, allowing municipal governments to plan ahead and begin working on important infrastructure projects right away.”
Funding is being provided to replace or repair 96 kilometres of municipal roads in the southwest. Premier Selinger said, adding the City of Brandon is receiving $300,000 toward a project to extend Pacific Avenue next year.
“The extension of Pacific Avenue from 18th Street through to 26th Street will be a welcome traffic improvement for residents of Brandon that have often found themselves waiting for trains at 26th Street or going the long way around due to the landlocked nature of their location right next door to the Assiniboine River,” Mayor Shari Decter Hirst, City of Brandon. “This construction is long overdue and we are pleased to receive provincial funding to aid in its completion.”
“Manitoba’s roads and highways are the fundamental social and economic links between families and communities,” said Premier Selinger. “The families that live here, the businesses and services that provide jobs and keep communities viable, and the travellers who keep commerce moving all rely on well-maintained roads. An investment in roads is an investment in the economic future of our province.”
A list of road renewal projects can be found at www.gov.mb.ca/asset_library/en/MRIP_listing.pdf.
Motorists are reminded to slow down and use caution approaching and in construction zones for their own safety and the safety of workers.
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