All-Weather Road Developments Fuel Optimism
Thursday, November 10, 2005 at 14:35
An Athabasca development official says it appears the Athabasca all-weather road project will proceed, with or without the federal government.
That’s what Glen Strong says provincial highways officials told him at a Northern Labour Market Committee meeting in Prince Albert yesterday.
The two levels of government have been haggling for years over how they should split the cost.
Strong also says it appears the province will release details of its planned northern roads strategy before the end of the month.
The provincial government essentially committed itself to the long-awaited project earlier this week when it included it in the throne speech.
Strong says these developments are the strongest statements he has seen from any level of government.
Strong is also pleased it appears the provincial government is committed to hiring residents from the region to build the roads.
He doesn’t know when work might actually start, but he says Athabasca leaders have made sure they’ve got a workforce that’s ready to start construction.
Highways Minister Eldon Lautermilch wasn’t immediately available for comment.
The latest cost estimates peg the total price tag for the all-weather roads project at $60 million.