Norm Macdonald MLA                                Columbia River – Revelstoke

MEDIA RELEASE

For immediate release

March 13th, 2009

MLA Macdonald raises Golden’s priority transportation issues with Minister

During supplementary estimates debate with the Minister of Transportation Kevin Falcon, Columbia River – Revelstoke MLA Norm Macdonald listed for the minister Golden’s priority transportation issues, primarily the required upgrades to the Trans Canada highway.  Macdonald reminded the Minister of his responsibility to actually live up to the signs that have been posted along the highway.  One of these signs is posted just a few miles north of Golden.

“All along the Trans Canada there are signs claiming that the highway will soon be four-laned, but the minister readily admits that there is little chance that the project will be going ahead in the near-term,” said Macdonald.

Macdonald also talked about the economic benefits for the community of Golden if a project like the Donald Bridge upgrade was fast-tracked.

“With the downturn in the economy and the crisis in the forest industry, people in Golden are looking for other opportunities.  This is the time to move ahead with these large infrastructure projects and keep people in Golden working.”

Macdonald also raised the issue of the realignment of the Golden bridge on Highway 95.  For decades local government has been looking at the need for a new repositioned bridge through town.

“It is too easy for roads in rural areas to be forgotten by this government, especially when so much attention is currently being paid to roads like the Sea to Sky Highway to Whistler.  It is my job to make sure that I take every opportunity to make the Minister aware of the priority transportation issues in my communities.