Preamble: The condition of Highway Number 10 has deteriorated to such disrepair it has been deemed unsafe by heavy truck operators carrying potatoes, potash, cattle, hogs, grain and fertilizer, western Manitoba travelers, tourist traffic to the famous International Peace Gardens with its proposed 52 million dollar upgrades, the gateway to Manitoba and Canada.

Highway Number 10 connects to U.S. highways 281, 2 and 5, which North Dakota is completing a 90 million dollar upgrade. The U.S. port of entry is also proceeding with a 20 million dollar upgrade to facilitate the large animal scanning and unloading area on two parcels of land being leased from the International Peace Gardens. Highway Number 10 also connects Manitoba Highways 2 East West, 3 East West, 23 East West and the Brandon bypass.      

Resolution: That Government of Manitoba ask the National Highways Board to designate Highway Number 10 a “National Highway” and rebuild/re-surface the portion of Highway Number 10 from Highway #2 East, South to the U.S. border.

 

Resolution Report:  

The Manitoba Chambers of Commerce produces Resolution reports as part of its commitment to be accountable to its members. The reports are updated as matters unfold and have three components:

MCC Advocacy: Specific activities the MCC has done to help make this Resolution a reality. 

Developments:  Events (e.g. government action, media coverage) that relate to Resolution. 

Current Status: The MCC’s current plans to help make this Resolution a reality. 

Advice, comments, and information sharing are welcome; simply enter a reply at the bottom of this post.

 

MCC Advocacy: 

April 16, May 6 and May 7, 2009: The 2009-2010 Resolutions were posted on the MCC website, listed as part of a comprehensive Report on AGM 2009 and then notice of this story was circulated through the MCC e-Omnibus which is sent to all MCC members, Media and Government.

May 19, 2009: Resolution books were sent to every MLA and every Member of Parliament that hails from Manitoba. The following had this Resolution specifically drawn to their attention with a detailed letter setting out the background to this issue, Government initiatives (where applicable), and an argument for the Resolution:

• The Minister of Competitiveness, Training and Trade
• The Minister of Infrastructure and Transportation  

 

Developments:

May 25, 2009: A Manitoba Government news release entitled “Manitoba Continues Historic Investment in Highway Renewal Plan:  Lemieux” included the following:

Increased support of $122 million has been added to the province’s highway renewal plan for year three of the 10-year plan which will continue to improve safety, accelerate infrastructure renewal and help stimulate the economy, Infrastructure and Transportation Minister Ron Lemieux announced today.

“This year, our budget for highway renewal has increased to $545 million from $423 million, an increase of over 30 per cent from 2008 and more than triple the level of investments made in 1999,” said Lemieux. “This significant addition to our highways program will improve roadways and bridges in Manitoba while at the same time create jobs and help to stimulate local economies during uncertain economic times.”

….

• continued investment in Brandon including the 18th Street bridges, the eastern access and PTH 10 south;

….

November 23, 2009: Received a letter from the Minister of Infrastructure and Transportation on this issue, stating as follows:

I can assure your membership that the maintenance of our highway links to the United States and the renewal of crucial transportation corridors such as PTH 10 will remain one of our highest priorities. The importance of our highway system in Manitoba’s current and future economic growth guarantees our continuing commitment to strategic investment in preserving this asset.

  

Final Report:

The meeting with the new Minister of Infrastructure and Transportation went very well. While it is taking time, given the Minister’s position it seems that this Resolution will indeed be accomplished. That said, until the Minister’s declarations become a reality this Resolution is only a qualified success.