Norman Bradford Bridge and Oxford Street Road Construction Benefit from Federal Gas Tax

London, Ontario, November 6, 2009 – Ed Holder, the Member of Parliament for London West, and London Mayor Anne Marie DeCicco-Best today officially declared the Norman Bradford Bridge reopen, following a long summer of construction.

“This year, the federal government doubled the gas tax transfer to $21 million so that we could invest in projects like this bridge,” said MP Holder. “Improved transportation links increase the quality of life for residents and the environment. The money invested today will benefit Londoners for many years to come.”

“These important infrastructure projects are key to ensuring London's sustainability for the future,” said Mayor DeCicco-Best. “Through this committed federal funding, we are able to seriously address many important road and transportation improvements to help keep our vibrant city growing.”

The improved bridge features a resurfaced roadway and structural enhancements including a barrier wall, railing and sidewalk restoration. Pedestrians and motorists will also see aesthetic improvements such as a cut stone finish on the walls of the bridge, aluminum light standards and three new lookouts. Oxford Street, from Platts Lane to Richmond Street, also benefited from Gas Tax funding.

The Government of Canada provided over $1.9 million to support for the rehabilitation of the bridge, which spans the Thames River between Talbot Street and Wharncliffe Road, through the federal Gas Tax Fund. The government also provided just over $2 million for Oxford Street road resurfacing and for sewer replacements under the same fund.

“The Federal Gas Tax Fund demonstrates that all orders of government must work together to address the pressing need for infrastructure investment in Ontario,” said Peter Hume, President of the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO). “The funding supports hundreds of important infrastructure projects and is critical to job creation, Ontario's competitiveness and environmental sustainability.”

Under the Economic Action Plan, the Government of Canada is allocating $12 billion to infrastructure projects across the country. This is further complemented by an earlier commitment of $33 billion to infrastructure under the Building Canada Plan which includes extending the Gas Tax Fund to 2014 and then making it permanent at a level of $2 billion per year nationally.

For additional information:

Federal contact
Terence Scheltema
Office of MP Ed Holder
(613) 291-2398 (cell)
Holdee0@parl.gc.ca

Municipal Contact
Elaine Gamble
City of London
(519) 661-2500, ext. 4782
egamble@london.ca

Infrastructure Canada
(613) 948-1148