ORBA Commends Strong 2013/14 Budget Commitment to Infrastructure

Wynne Government moves forward with key road and transit improvements

TORONTO, May 3, 2013 /CNW/ - ORBA is pleased to see a strong focus on transportation and infrastructure in this year's budget as well as the announcement of key funds and transportation projects.  The Government has reconfirmed their plan to spend $35 billion on infrastructure investment and increases the total spend for this fiscal year by more than half a billion over last year.

"We commend Premier Wynne and her government for their commitment to investing in the future of our province by investing in transportation infrastructure," said John Blake, President of ORBA.  "Premier Wynne understands the vital role infrastructure plays in our economy today and in the future."

The budget shows a commitment to long term infrastructure spending which is a welcome move.  The Government has made the dedicated gas tax revenue for municipality's permanent and confirmed plans for long term infrastructure planning across the province.  ORBA also welcomes the $100 million in funding to build roads, bridges and other critical infrastructure in small, rural and northern municipalities.  ORBA is encouraged by the announcement of new highway projects in the GTA, Renfrew, Northumberland, Northern Ontario.  ORBA is concerned however by the reduction in the provincial highways budget over what was announced last year and the continued trend of MTO significant underspend of committed funds.  It is a matter that ORBA has and will continue to address with the Minister's office.

"We are pleased to see a number of key transportation infrastructure project announced across the province and a commitment to long term infrastructure planning," said Geoff Wilkinson, Executive Director of ORBA.  "ORBA welcomes the focus on addressing the infrastructure deficit but is concerned about the cuts to and underspending of the provincial highways budget."

The Ontario Road Builders' Association is the voice of the majority of road building contractors who build and maintain Ontario's provincial roads. In addition ORBA boasts approximately 100 associate members who supply products and equipment to the industry.  To learn more about ORBA go to www.orba.org

SOURCE: Ontario Road Builders' Association

If you have any questions about ORBA's outlook on Ontario Budget 2013 or Premier Wynne's infrastructure platform, please do not hesitate to contact Patrick McManus ([email protected] or 905-507-1107 ext. 225) for more details.