For Immediate Release
March 28, 2008
Fixing Roads And Bridges In Kingston
Infrastructure funding part of plan to strengthen the economy
NEWS
KINGSTON — The Ontario Government will invest $10,015,251 for general repairs to roads and bridges and the combined Sewer Separation and Road Rehabilitation project in Kingston, announced MPP John Gerretsen.
Specifically Kingston will receive $7,682,000 for the Sewer Separation and Road Rehabilitation project under the Municipal Infrastructure Investment Initiative (MIII) and $2,333,251 for Roads and Bridges as part of the $1 billion announced in the 2008 Provincial Budget.
The Township of Frontenac Islands is also receiving $652,596 for repairs to roads and bridges.
Other neighbouring communities are receiving over $10 million in roads and bridges funding:
| South Frontenac Township | $ 2,478,832 |
| Lennox and Addington County | $ 1,937,782 |
| Central Frontenac | $ 1,596,263 |
| North Frontenac | $ 1,362,831 |
| Stone Mills | $ 994,720 |
| Greater Napanee | $ 743,880 |
| Addington Highlands | $ 493,169 |
| Loyalist | $ 443,896 |
This funding is part of Ontario’s strategy to improve infrastructure across the province with 243 local grants for work on water pipes, roads and bridges, sewers and community centres. Construction is expected to create nearly 6,700 new jobs when work begins later this year.
Today’s announcement is in addition to the $845,636 announced last week for repairs and retrofits to affordable housing in Kingston.
QUOTES
“This is great news for our community,” said Gerretsen. “We’re working to fix up the roads that connect our communities because families and goods need to get to where they’re going quickly and efficiently – it’s good for families, and it’s good for the economy.”
"The City of Kingston is extremely grateful for the nearly-$10 million in funding from the provincial government for use in this community said Mayor Harvey Rosen. “This funding demonstrates recognition of the challenges faced by municipalities and the willingness to take positive steps to address these challenges.”
“I am delighted at today’s news, said Jim Keech, President and CEO of Utilities Kingston. “These grants will go a long way to addressing our municipal infrastructure needs.”
QUICK FACTS
- Today’s announcement is Kingston’s share of $1 Billion the Ontario government is immediately investing in roads and bridges in municipalities outside Toronto, based on their share of Ontario’s road network in relation to population.
- This funding builds on the province’s investment of $450 million in 2007-2008 for the Municipal Infrastructure Investment Initiative, consisting of $300 million announced in the 2007 Fall Economic Outlook and Fiscal Review and the $150 million announced at the 2008 OGRA/ROMA Conference.
- This funding is also in addition to the proposed bill, the Investing in Ontario Act, which would direct a portion of provincial surpluses in excess of $800 million to municipalities for capital needs.
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CONTACT
Holly Wilson
Press Secretary
416-314-6739
