City and Province Reach Funding Agreement Eliminating 16 Month Disraeli Closure

North Kildonan City Councillor Jeff Browaty is pleased that the City and Province have reached a funding agreement that will eliminate the 16 month closure of the Disraeli while having the deck replaced or a new structure constructed. Browaty ran a campaign earlier this year calling on a provincial contribution for the project as the original construction in the early 1960's had approximately 50% provincial funding.
 
"I applaud Premier Gary Doer and Mayor Sam Katz for doing the right thing for northeast Winnipeg," Browaty said. "A 16 month total closure for a structure with an estimated life of around 30-35 years didn't make sense."
 
The provincial funding announced today, totaling $53.3-million over 10 years, requires that the traffic disruption be minimized, active transportation be part of the selection process and contribute towards options with design lives of 75 years.
 
"At approximately $140 million, the Disraeli project was already one of the largest infrastructure projects on the City's books," Browaty added. "I personally thank Mayor Katz for his commitment to me and all residents of northeast Winnipeg in exploring all options to minimize the closure and provide a better option."
 
The awarding of the project is expected before the end of the year at which time the design will be made public. Construction is expected to start in 2010.