The provincial government will make major investments in Manitoba’s roads and bridges this year and continue repairing flood-damaged infrastructure across the province. This announcement was made by Premier Greg Selinger.
“We know that building and improving our roads and bridges is a priority for families and it’s essential to a strong and growing economy,” said Selinger. “That’s why, over the last several years, we’ve made record investments in our roads through our Highway Renewal Plan. But last year’s record flooding caused a lot of damage that needs repair.”
The premier noted that more than 80 bridges and 200 roads required repairs or complete reconstruction as a result of last year’s flood.
“We know the repairs will take time and we have a plan to do that. And in this budget we’re ensuring there is long-term, stable support to keep building our roads and other strategic infrastructure,” said Selinger.
The premier noted that Budget 2012 includes $50 million towards repairing flood-damaged roads and bridges. Among other projects, Budget 2012 will:
• repair 20 bridges or overpasses across the province, beyond those in need of flood repair;
• renew and build over 2,400 kilometres of roads; and
• construct the first phase of the east side road network.
In total, Budget 2012 will devote $589 million to renew and improve roads across the province, he said.
The premier noted the most important source of funding for infrastructure is fuel taxes, adding a modest 2.5-cent increase in the gasoline tax – the first in nearly 20 years – will provide long-term funding for infrastructure and maintain Manitoba’s taxes on gasoline as the second-lowest in Canada.
“For every dollar Manitobans pay in provincial gas tax, over two dollars will be invested in the roads and bridges our economy and our families depend on,” said Selinger.
