Winnipeg receives $7.5 million for roadwork

WINNIPEG — It’s pothole season.

The City of Winnipeg’s coffers grew by $7.5 million thanks to an investment from the Government of Manitoba to help with roadwork.

The funds are earmarked for road reconstruction, rehabilitation and preservation projects such as road repair, according to a news release.

Municipal Relations Minister Andrew Smith said the funds are “in addition to the recent historic increase in operating funding.”

The Manitoba government increased the municipal strategic infrastructure basket by 17 per cent earlier this year, up to $160 million, to help with infrastructure funding. The operating funding basket received a 28 per cent increase to $217 million.

“This additional funding comes at a time when our roads will show their wear and tear and allows construction crews to start work early, to prevent further surface decay and mitigate damage to vehicles,” said Manitoba Heavy Construction Association president Chris Lorenc in the release.