BARRY’S BAY – The Township of Madawaska Valley has received a grant for $1,007,424 and Operations Manager Hilary Kutchkoskie is expecting to see some jobs created as a result.
The township applied for a $1,243,000 grant in the fall 2013 under the Small Rural and Northern Municipal Infrastructure Fund Capital Program.
The money was to resurface the connecting link, which runs from the Arena Road to Mintha Street and to establish a left-hand turning lane to Sand Hill Road.
“During the summer months there is always a backlog of people turning left onto Sand Hill Drive,” Kutchkoskie said. “There is always traffic congestion.”
Just recently, the township learned that it was successful with the grant, which offered to cover 90 per cent of the requested amount. The township would have to foot 10 per cent, or $123,640.
Kutchkoskie said the work won’t start until 2015. This year, the township will draw up design and engineer plans, which will include sidewalks, curbs and gutters.
The operations manager said when work does begin next year, it will be contracted out, resulting in a job creation boom for the area.
Mayor David Shulist said in a release he is pleased with the grant and congratulated staff for their work on the application.
“Hats off to our staff for putting together a great grant application,” Shulist said.