The Manitoba government says it is launching the first wave of road improvements funded by the Trucking Productivity Improvement Fund, which is based on fees collected from companies that transport overweight cargo on provincial roads.
“Through this important partnership, the province is repairing the roads that companies use to haul loads above weight limits to improve their productivity,” said Premier Greg Selinger. “The fund enhances flexibility for companies, promotes economic development and creates efficiencies for regional businesses. It also ensures that a portion of cost savings to industry are reinvested in the roads that are worn in the process.”
The fund will apparently invest $1.4 million on provincial roads across Manitoba including $750,00 for improvements to PR 384 (Moose Lake Road) and $250,000 for improvement on PR 392, PR 393 and PR 395.
“Tolko welcomes the improvements to these roads,” said Terry Hamilton, general manager, Tolko Industries in Manitoba. “We look forward to improved public safety as well as increased haul efficiencies for our contractors. These improvements will benefit industry and the communities where Tolko operates.”
In 2014-15, the provincial government invested more than $1 billion in core infrastructure and according tot reports, these invested boosted the economy by $1.31 billion advanced exports by $699 million, increased retail sales by $225 million and created more than 9,755 jobs.
“The report shows we’re on track to meet our commitments to Manitobans,” the premier said. “We’re building like never before, creating jobs, growing the economy and making Manitoba an even better place to live.”
The premier added the $5.5 billion core infrastructure plan is making significant improvements right around The Pas, with more than 141 kilometres of work done on PTH 10 in recent years. He also said that the core infrastructure plan will support more than $23 million in projects around The Pas in the coming few years including pacing PTH 10 for 18 km north of The Pas; performing surface work on PTH 10 south of The Pas from PR 282 north for 31 km; paving 22 km of PR 283 from the Saskatchewan border to PR 282, west of The Pas; paving nine km of PR 285 from PTH 10 to Lapointe Road; and paving 11km of PR 287 from PTH 10 to The Pas airport.
You can view the province’s annual core infrastructure report at www.steadygrowth.ca.