MacLeod urges Liberals to Finally Fund the Strandherd-Armstrong Bridge & Other Transit Projects

(Queen’s Park) – While Hollywood celebrated the Oscars last night, there was no rags-to-riches story for the people of Nepean-Carleton and the $278 million shovel ready projects, like the Strandherd-Armstrong Bridge.

Nepean-Carleton MPP Lisa MacLeod urged the McGuinty Liberals to commit $278 million in shovel ready projects.  MacLeod is concerned that projects such as the Strandherd-Armstrong Bridge and rapid transit routes will be stalled because the McGuinty Liberals have yet to flow the $200 million promised and committed in 2004.

“The Premier has a responsibility to kick start our local economy and move Ottawa’s transportation plan forward,” stated MacLeod.  “He needs to put his money where his mouth is and work with the City and the Federal Government who have already committed to fund projects like the Strandherd-Armstrong Bridge.”

In response, Deputy Premier George Smitherman blamed the City and the Federal Government.  He said, “the Ottawa community has been still challenged a little bit, getting their act together.”

He also added that, “the rules around how money will be spent are only being determined today by that same Federal Minister” John Baird.  But each of the other two levels have already committed to the Strandherd-Armstrong Bridge and the transit.

“It’s now 3 months since the City set its priorities and over 5 years since they promised Ottawa $200 million for transportation and transit,” said MacLeod.  “We can’t afford anymore broken promises and we need shovels in the ground.”

So no red carpet for Ottawa, more like recession blues if they do not receive any funding for the City’s transportation priorities.