POP Resolution No. 3 – 07MBridge Repair

WHEREAS, many bridges throughout Saskatchewan and throughout Canada are now quickly reaching their useful lifespan; and

WHEREAS, bridge replacement/repair is very expensive and local municipalities do not have the funds to perform the necessary construction and maintenance work; and

WHEREAS, there is a serious shortage of crews to do the bridge maintenance and repair;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that SARM lobby the provincial and federal governments for adequate dollars to replace/upgrade these bridges; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that SARM lobby the provincial government to ensure there is an adequate number of engineers and crews to do the required work. 

Response from Honourable D. Wayne Elhard, Minister of Highways and Infrastructure

I clearly understand the intent of POP Resolution No. 3 and the need to address the situation with municipal bridge infrastructure; this is an issue that is broad in scope.

Following the 7 November 2007 provincial election, our new government made significant amendments to the duties and responsibilities within government including the agency formerly responsible for the Municipal Bridge Program.  I want to assure you that the province will be addressing the issue raised in POP Resolution No. 3, but at the same time I would ask for the patience of SARM until the 2008-2009 budget deliberations are completed.