March 17, 2005

Governments chip in for bridge work

By Grant Cameron

staff writer

More money is being made available for the rehabilitation and replacement of a number of bridges in the Township of Blandford-Blenheim.

The federal and provincial governments are each contributing $174,291 to the cost — a total increase of $46,848 from the money they had originally earmarked for the projects.

Three bridges are scheduled to be replaced. They include a bridge on Township Road 6, one on Township Road 12, and one on Motheral Road.

Another bridge on Township Road 6 will be rehabilitated.

The announcement was made Monday by Lynn Myers, MP for Kitchener-Conestoga, John Gerretsen, Ontario Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing; and Donald Woolcott, Mayor of the Township of Blandford-Blenheim.

The money is being made available under the Canada-Ontario Infrastructure Program.

“Every day, our roads and bridges are used by residents and emergency vehicles,” said Myers. “This additional funding ensures that our community bridges remain safe and dependable for every vehicle.”

Gerretsen said upgrading essential infrastructure is an important part of the provincial government’s rural plan.

“By replacing and rehabilitating bridges, we are providing our communities with the greatest safety, which is vital to the future success of our province.”

The funding is one of a series of matching federal and provincial investments to help municipalities protect the health and safety of their residents through essential infrastructure projects.

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