Manitoba Government News Release:
Information Services, Room 29, Legislative Building, Winnipeg, Manitoba R3C 0V8 Telephone: (204) 
945-3746 Fax: (204) 945-3988

FRANCAIS

March 19, 2004

 

PRIORITIES FOR STRATEGIC INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS IN MANITOBA

WINNIPEG, Manitoba – Manitoba Premier Gary Doer, the Honourable Reg Alcock, President of the Treasury Board and Minister responsible for the Canadian Wheat Board, and City of Winnipeg Mayor Glen Murray announced today an agreement in principle to provide up to $165 million in strategic infrastructure funding for three key Winnipeg priorities.

These priorities, funded by the three partners, would create a new bus rapid transit system, construct a railway underpass at Kenaston Boulevard to alleviate traffic congestion, and would also provide improvements to the City of Winnipeg's wastewater treatment system in response to recommendation from the Clean Environment Commission.

"The province has agreed to contribute $55 million to the Kenaston underpass, rapid transit and the waste water treatment plant because they are important priorities for the residents of Winnipeg. We are committed to quickly move ahead and turn these proposals into concrete projects," said Premier Doer. "The waste water treatment plant will play an important part in our Lake Winnipeg Action Plan and will benefit all Manitobans. It is our top priority and we are pleased to be moving ahead on all these important projects."

"The agreement we have reached today is a clear result of how all three levels of government are committed to continuing this unique tradition of cooperation and collaboration as it makes an appreciable difference to Manitoba's continued economic viability," said Minister Alcock. "The Government of Canada is working with the other two levels of government to evaluate details for funding."

"The City of Winnipeg welcomes the recognition by the federal and provincial governments of the importance of renewing our infrastructure and building for the future. The $55 million from each of our other partners will be more than matched by the City," said Mayor Murray. "As we know, Canadian cities face huge challenges with mounting

infrastructure deficits. This partnership is a step in the right direction."

 

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