October 16, 2009
Governments fund more than $5 million in Langley infrastructure
"These investments are part of our ongoing commitment to stimulate job creation and boost local businesses, improving the quality of life for Langley residents," says Langley MP Mark Warawa. "In the current economic climate, this federal government initiative is cutting red tape, creating jobs for B.C., and getting shovels in the ground for the next two construction seasons."
“We are meeting the needs of a growing community,” says Langley MLA Mary Polak. “This investment will improve the pathway from downtown to the parks area, including a new bike lane, allowing residents and tourists better access to Langley amenities.”
“When governments work together, good things happen for B.C. residents,” says Fort Langley-Aldergrove MLA Rich Coleman. “This investment is a great example of that cooperation, supporting our local infrastructure and creating Langley jobs.”
The combined Federal, Provincial and Municipal funds will provide $5,039,043 to upgrade 208th Street, from 48th Avenue to Fraser Highway. The work will include bi-directional bicycle lanes, selective road widening, pavement and pavement markings, traffic control including signals and sidewalk, as well as curb and gutter repairs as required. Water mains and storm sewers will also be replaced and upsized, and the sanitary main will be replaced.
"We are delighted to receive this infrastructure stimulus funding from the provincial and federal governments for much needed infrastructure upgrades and road improvements,” says City of Langley Mayor Peter Fassbender. “Not only will this project create job opportunities but it will also improve safety for motorists and cyclists, replacing aging infrastructure and meeting the demands from new growth within our community and the region."
This builds on joint federal-provincial funding of over $7 million announced this year for projects including the Fraser Highway/ Nicomekl Bridge replacement, Aldergrove Water Treatment Plant - Heat Recovery project, and upgrades to 96 Avenue at Telegraph Trail/198 Street, all of which are currently under construction.
The Government of Canada's 2009 Economic Action Plan includes a vast array of initiatives to help to stimulate the economy, create jobs, build consumer confidence and assist Canadians when they need it most during this global economic recession. New large-scale infrastructure programs are one important element of this plan.
The project is funded under the Province's three-year, $14-billion capital infrastructure program that will create up to 88,000 jobs and help build vital public infrastructure in every region of B.C.
Since October 2008, some 655 projects worth $4.1 billion have been announced. The projects approved to date are expected to create more than 26,000 direct jobs over three years
For more information on the Building Canada plan, visit www.buildingcanada.gc.ca or www.bcbuildingcanadafundcommunities.ca. Information on the Infrastructure Stimulus Fund is available at www.creatingjobs.gc.ca.
To find out more about how the Government of Canada and CMHC are working to build stronger homes and communities for all Canadians, call CMHC at 1-800-668-2642 or visit www.cmhc.ca/housingactionplan. For more information on Canada’s Economic Action Plan, call 1-800-O Canada or visit www.actionplan.gc.ca.
