Provincial budget neglects long-term funding solution for infrastructure
WINNIPEG - April 17, 2012 - Winnipeg Mayor Sam Katz and Association of Manitoba Municipalities (AMM) President Doug Dobrowolski today expressed disappointment that the provincial budget has no long-term solution for infrastructure investment.
"Everyone knows we have a crisis in infrastructure," said Katz. "Manitoba communities still have no long-term, sustainable funding solution that would allow us to plan for the future. We're falling so far behind in fixing our roads, bridges, sewers and community infrastructure that we may never catch up."
Manitoba communities are united in calling for a new funding formula that would provide adequate sources of revenue for ongoing infrastructure renewal.
"This isn't a Winnipeg problem or a rural problem - it is a Manitoba problem. Our infrastructure deficit is in the billions of dollars and municipalities just can't handle it on their own," said Dobrowolski. "This budget did not deliver what is needed - a new source of growth revenue dedicated to fixing the problem once and for all."
"Long-term, sustainable funding on infrastructure helps ensure Manitoba communities remain competitive and grow, attracting new investment," said Katz. "Modern infrastructure is key to supporting our economy and creating vibrant communities."
Winnipeg City Council and the AMM have previously asked the Province of Manitoba to provide one point of the existing provincial sales tax (PST) over and above funds that are already received, which would be dedicated as a stable, reliable source of funding for municipal infrastructure.
In Winnipeg, growth in provincial grants has not kept pace with the growth seen in other provinces.