Posted on 12/23/2013, 3:14 pm, by mySteinbach

The Manitoba government continues working with Manitoba municipalities in the southeast by investing more than $2 million in southeastern municipal roads to keep communities linked and ensure safe and smooth driving for local families, commercial travellers and tourists. This announcement was made by Municipal Government Minister Stan Struthers.

“This funding is directed at the roads Manitobans have prioritized and reflects our government’s commitment to support economic growth in the strong communities in this region,” Minister Struthers said.  “Municipal governments are matching our investment and together we will see dozens of municipals roads repaired and upgraded.”

More than 20 Manitoba communities in the southeast identified 41 municipal roads requiring replacement or repairs that will receive provincial funding, the minister said.  A total of $21 million is available over three years to support the repair and renewal of municipal roads across the province, starting with $7 million this year to upgrade 260 kilometres, with municipal governments matching that investment, he added.

“The Association of Manitoba Municipalities fully supports infrastructure investments that help keep the local economy competitive,” said Doug Dobrowolski, president, AMM.  “With southeast municipalities cost-sharing these important projects, it is a good example of our two orders of government working together.”

A roundtable meeting with leaders from the southeast region will be held in Steinbach today and chaired by Tourism, Culture, Heritage, Sport and Consumer Protection Minister Ron Lemieux, who said the meeting will help the government develop a multi-year plan to build infrastructure that will support and grow the provincial economy.  Representatives at today’s first meeting included those from the City of Steinbach, the RM of Hanover and the Steinbach Chamber of Commerce.

“Our government is listening to rural leaders about how we support strong rural economies that create good jobs for our kids in their homes communities,” said Minister Lemieux.  “Good roads are the arteries of a healthy economy and must be continually maintained.”