Langley, British Columbia –Residents of Langley will benefit from a joint federal-provincial investment of $5.29 million to build a new Nicomekl bridge that will improve local transport as well as create jobs.
"In our 2009 Budget, we promised Canadians that their Economic Action Plan would stimulate the economy and create jobs. We are looking for projects that are ready to get started immediately,” said Member of Parliament Mark Warawa. “Today, I am very pleased to announce federal funding of more than $2.6 million, from the Building Canada Fund, to go towards the Nicomekl Bridge Replacement project in partnership with the Province of B.C., the City of Langley and TransLink. This infrastructure project will improve transportation within the Langley region. Our federal government cares about the needs of Canadians. As Langley's federal representative, I will continue to work hard for you."
"This is very welcome news to have the federal government join the Province to assist with our plans to build a better bridge over the Nicomekl River," said Langley MLA Mary Polak. "It is an important project for our community that will provide a safer and more efficient standard of local transportation which will also have the additional benefit of becoming more user-friendly for healthier modes of transport with the inclusion of bike lanes and a sidewalk for cyclists and pedestrians."
This new investment will replace the Fraser Highway/Nicomekl Bridge and expand it from two to four lanes, better connecting the City of Langley with the Township of Langley.
Under the Canada-British Columbia Building Canada Fund – Communities Component, the federal and provincial governments provide up to two-thirds of the funding for eligible project costs, with municipalities covering the remainder of project funding. The City of Langley’s and TransLink’s contribution to this project brings the total infrastructure investment to $9.065 million.
“On behalf of the citizens of Langley City and the Region, I am delighted with this announcement as it demonstrates how all three levels of government and TransLink can work together to meet a need in the community,” said Langley Mayor Peter Fassbender. “In addition, in these economic times this project will provide 56 person-years of employment to people in our communities. This infrastructure funding comes at a critical time for communities like ours around the province and across the country.”
“On behalf of TransLink, I am pleased with today's announcement about the Nicomekl Bridge Replacement project,” said TransLink CEO Tom Prendergast. " Working with the three levels of government, we continue to help build a road and bridge network that is integral to the movement of both people and goods throughout our region."
The Canada-British Columbia Building Canada Fund – Communities Component is a federal-provincial program that addresses the unique infrastructure needs of both rural and urban communities with populations of less than 100,000. Program funding is contingent on the successful completion of a federal Environmental Assessment under the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act.
Through this unprecedented Building Canada infrastructure plan, the federal government is providing long-term, stable and predictable funding to help meet infrastructure needs across Canada. Building Canada supports a stronger, safer and better country.
For more information on the Building Canada plan, visit www.buildingcanada.gc.ca or http://www.bcbuildingcanadafundcommunities.ca/
