October 7, 2014
Manitoba Government Invests in Interlake Municipal Roads, Flood Protection
– – –$2.5-million Investment in Flood, Road Infrastructure will Improve Transportation, Keep Communities Safe, Create Good Jobs: Premier Selinger
LOCKPORT—Interlake residents, tourist destinations, commuter and commercial traffic will soon have safer roadways and streets as the Manitoba government invests more than $2.5 million in partnership with municipalities to improve or replace local municipal roads and improve flood protection, Premier Greg Selinger announced here today.
“The Interlake is the gateway to some of our busiest rural and northern communities, and the roadways here serve many businesses and popular tourist destinations,” said Premier Selinger. “Working with communities to ensure we have safe, efficient travel routes and roads that are protected from flooding is good for business, good for families and creates good jobs for the community.”
A total of $1.3 million will be invested in Interlake municipal roads funded through the Municipal Road Improvement Program (MRIP) with an additional $1.23 million invested through the Building Manitoba Fund (BMF) to make the Peltz Drive dike in the Rural Municipality (RM) of St. Clements a permanent structure and will be shared 90 per cent/10 per cent between the Manitoba government and the rural municipality, the premier said.
The MRIP, developed in partnership with the Association of Manitoba Municipalities (AMM), will provide a total of $50 million over five years to repair and renew roads across the province.
“The AMM is pleased to be part of the selection process because these infrastructure investments will have a direct impact on the lives of citizens throughout the Interlake,” said Doug Dobrowolski, president, AMM. “Also, it allows municipal governments to plan ahead and begin working on additional infrastructure projects.”
Funding is being provided to replace or repair more than 42 kilometres of municipal roads in the Interlake area. Premier Selinger noted the RM of St. Andrews is receiving nearly $353,000 for the renewal of Lockport and Clandeboye roads and Settlers Trail.
“The Rural Municipality of St. Andrews is very pleased to have received significant funding from our provincial partner. There are over 750 km of roads in St. Andrews and, with a growing population, council faces the daunting task of improving them,” said Mayor Don Forfar. “The matching dollars that we have received from the Province of Manitoba has allowed us to respond more quickly and upgrade three very busy collector roads. Not only will traffic move more easily, but also much safer. It should be noted there are schools on two of these roads and these road improvements are very appreciated by the students, parents and staff. On behalf of our residents, I offer a big thank you to the province for their financial support and commitment.”
“Being proactive and permanent is far smarter and more affordable than being reactive and temporary. Taking this temporary dike as it was built in 2011 and transforming it to permanent infrastructure means piece of mind for our residents and our municipality. The 1,600-metre dike has been engineered for a long life,” said Mayor Steve Strang, RM of St. Clements. “We are grateful to the province for this partnership which makes this much-needed flood protection a reality for our community.”
Funding for flood-related activities is available through the federal-provincial Disaster Financial Assistance program arrangements. However, not all projects qualify under federal guidelines. The provincially funded Building Manitoba Fund has more flexibility, the premier noted.
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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