IMMEDIATE ACTION FOR HIGHWAY 97A IMPROVEMENTS

April 06, 2009

Armstrong/Spallumcheen, B.C. — An accelerated investment of $20 million for highway improvements in Armstrong/Spallumcheen, BC will create jobs, stimulate the economy and improve road safety.

The Pleasant Valley to Lansdowne project will upgrade 4 kilometres of Highway 97A from a two lane rural arterial design to a four lane rural arterial 100km/h design, with accompanying intersection improvements to enhance safety and address capacity concerns. This project is expected to create 200 direct and indirect jobs.

“The Government of Canada is proud to partner with the Province of British Columbia to fast track infrastructure spending, stimulate the economy and create new jobs for Canadians,” said Colin Mayes. “Today’s announcement is a clear example that we are delivering on our promise.”

“This project will be a great benefit to communities in our region,” said Shuswap MLA George Abbott. “Expanding this section of road will improve safety, mobility, capacity, reduce delays and improve travel times.”

“We are all impacted by the steady growth of traffic flowing through our communities”, said Armstrong Mayor Chris Pieper, “so City Council is very pleased to see the next phase of upgrades move forward so quickly. “

“There have been on-going safety concerns in regards to all of the intersections accessing Highway 97A along that stretch of highway. It is important that there is upgrading taking place to remedy access concerns and to meet the demands of today’s traffic volumes. The Township appreciates the support of the Province and the Federal Governments in this regard” said Spallumcheen Mayor Will Hansma.

The Government of Canada is accelerating and expanding recent federal investments in infrastructure with almost $12 billion in new infrastructure stimulus funding over two years. The Government of Canada has identified these projects as a priority for infrastructure funding consideration.

These highway projects are part of an overall $14-billion capital infrastructure program supported by the Province to create jobs and vital public infrastructure in every region of B.C.