A second bridge in Prince Albert is closer to becoming a reality.
Premier Brad Wall was in Prince Albert Monday morning to confirm the provincial government is committed to funding their share of a second bridge in the city.
In a letter to Prince Albert Mayor Greg Dionne, the Premier says if the city comes forward with an application to the P3 Canada Fund, it would receive serious consideration from the province.
“We do believe that a second bridge in Prince Albert would be eligible as a P3 Canada project but I want to confirm today for the people of Prince Albert and area that our provincial government is committed to funding our share of a second bridge for the city,” Wall said at the press conference.
The Premier says such a project would not be limited to funding from all three levels of government but could include private sector investment as well.
“There is precedent in the private sector that wants better access and routes in place, so there is precedence for them to be partners as well, so we should at least explore it.”
Wall says he has spoken briefly with local city officials about the proposed project.
“They are going to discuss things because there is a financial implication there, but this (commitment) is just a way to advance (the project).”
However, the NDP opposition is calling on the government to go ahead with a second bridge in the city without private funding.
The opposition says private infrastructure projects typically cost taxpayers more and the public loses control over the project.
It now lies with the City of Prince Albert to submit an application to the P3 Canada Fund if the city wants to start the ball rolling for a second bridge.
According to Wall, early estimates peg the cost of a second bridge in the city at around $150 million.