Bob Zimmer, Member of Parliament for Prince George-Peace River, was joined today by Pat Pimm, Member of the Legislative Assembly for Peace River North, to announce a major highway corridor upgrade that will increase safety for all travellers and contribute to better regional traffic flow.

Located approximately 70 kilometres northwest of Fort Nelson on Highway 77, the $35 million Fort Nelson River Bridge project will involve upgrading the current single-lane bridge to a modern and wider two-lane structure. To accommodate the expansion, upgrades will also be done underneath the bridge including the piers, abutments and piles.

The New Building Canada Plan is the largest and longest federal infrastructure plan in Canada’s history. This unprecedented commitment is providing $53 billion to support provincial, territorial and municipal infrastructure between 2014 and 2024.

Over this ten year period, British Columbia will benefit from approximately $3.9 billion in dedicated federal funding, including almost $1.1 billion under the New Building Canada Fund.

Quick Facts:

• The Government of Canada has selected this project for funding consideration of up to one half of total eligible costs, to a maximum of $15.4 million under the New Building Canada Fund’s Provincial-Territorial Infrastructure Component-National and Regional Projects. This funding is conditional on the project meeting applicable federal eligibility requirements with respect to the New Building Canada Fund and on the signing of a contribution agreement.
• The Government of British Columbia will be contributing the remaining $19.6 million to the project. The total estimated cost of the upgrade of the Fort Nelson River Bridge is $35 million.
• These improvements are part of the province’s B.C. on the Move initiative, a new 10-year plan for the improvement of the province’s transportation network providing a comprehensive road map for transportation investments and strategic policy actions over the next decade.
• The $53 billion New Building Canada Plan provides stable funding for a 10-year period, and includes:
  • The Community Improvement Fund, consisting of the Gas Tax Fund and the incremental Goods and Services Tax Rebate for Municipalities, which will provide over $32 billion to municipalities for projects such as roads, public transit and recreational facilities, and other community infrastructure.
  • The $14-billion New Building Canada Fund, which consists of:
    • The $4-billion National Infrastructure Component that will support projects of national significance; and
    • The $10-billion Provincial-Territorial Infrastructure Component for projects of national, regional and local significance. Of this amount, $1billion for projects in communities with fewer than 100,000residents through the Small Communities Fund.
  • An additional $1.25 billion in funding for the Public-Private Partnerships (P3) Canada Fund administered by PPP Canada.

Quotes:

Bob Zimmer, Member of Parliament for Prince George-Peace River on behalf of the Honourable Denis Lebel, Minister of Infrastructure, Communities and Intergovernmental Affairs, and Minister of the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec –

“Our Government’s support for public infrastructure has never been stronger. With increased travel on the Alaska Highway we are committed to ensuring that our workers and their families have the safest commute possible. We are pleased to work with the Province of British Columbia to approve projects under the New Building Canada Fund, to ensure that infrastructure funding continues in British Columbia as we focus on creating jobs, promoting growth, and building strong, prosperous communities across Canada.”

Peace River North MLA Pat Pimm on behalf of the Todd Stone, B.C. Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure –

“It’s important the Fort Nelson River Bridge be upgraded to maintain its safety. This bridge on Highway 77 is an essential connection across the impressive Fort Nelson River, and it supports the natural gas industry by providing access to the Liard natural gas basin, one of B.C.’s largest reserves. In developing B.C. on the Move, our new 10-year transportation plan, we heard overwhelming support from British Columbians to keep our highways, roads, bridges and side roads in good condition. Keeping drivers safe along our Northern transportation network is a top priority for this government.”

Associated Links:

To learn more about the New Building Canada Fund – Provincial-Territorial Infrastructure Component – National and Regional Projects: http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/plan/nrp-pnr-prog-eng.html

For additional information on the New Building Canada Plan: http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/plan/plan-eng.html

Learn more about the Government of Canada's focus on jobs and the economy consult Canada’s Economic Action Plan: http://www.budget.gc.ca/2015/home-accueil-eng.html

Learn more about B.C. on the Move: http://engage.gov.bc.ca/transportationplan/

Follow the work of the British Columbia Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure: http://www.tranbc.ca/