The Manitoba government is increasing the matching funding available to municipalities outside of Winnipeg to $16 million in 2015 to improve roads, bridges and infrastructure. This announcement was made by Municipal Government Minister Drew Caldwell and Infrastructure and Transportation Minister Ron Kostyshyn.
“The additional funding will allow municipalities to do more road and bridge repairs,” said Minister Caldwell. “By merging some of our existing funding programs into a simpler, more flexible program we are making it easier for municipalities to double their infrastructure investments.”
The $16-million fund includes $14 million for roads, an increase of $2.5 million over last year, and $2 million for bridges, doubling the level of funding available in 2014. The total increase over last year is $3.5 million. Municipalities will be able to apply for up to 50 per cent matching funds for local projects.
“These investments are going to mean bigger, faster upgrades to municipal infrastructure,” said Minister Kostyshyn. “This will help communities maintain strong links and safer, more dependable travel routes for families, commercial traffic and tourists.”
“We are pleased the province is streamlining the application process for these important infrastructure programs, “said Doug Dobrowolski, president, Association of Manitoba Municipalities. “A smoother application process allows our members easier access to these valuable programs and ensures important road and bridge projects are completed faster.”
New program guidelines are available at www.gov.mb.ca/ia.
Municipalities will be able to apply for Municipal Road and Bridge Program funding through the new, streamlined application process starting in April through Manitoba Municipalities Online (MMO). Information on how to apply for funding will be provided to all municipalities by the end of March.
