Transportation minister fires back at those opposed a $3.5-billion bridge to replace Massey Tunnel

RICHMOND (NEWS 1130) – Critics of the province’s plan to replace the Massey Tunnel with a $3.5-billion bridge fear other public infrastructure projects will be left behind. But the transportation minister who maintains all previous funding promises will be met.

Todd Stone says the province remains committed as ever to one third of the funding for Surrey LRT, a Broadway Corridor SkyTrain and a new Pattullo Bridge.

“Those were all the key priorities in the Mayors’ Council’s plan… In my discussions with the federal government last week in Ottawa, Minister [Peter] Fassbender and I at that time also strongly reiterated our support for the transit projects.”

Stone says most of the Massey Bridge criticism has come from mayors who have recieved billions of dollars over the years in infrastucture investment.

“Richmond, for example, has been the beneficiary, over the years, of significant investments in transit. You think of the Canada Line, as one example. Burnaby has received billions of dollars of investment over the years,” he argues.

He says it’s time for transportation south of the Fraser River, and brings up former Highways Minister Flying Phil Gagliardi:

“He would agree with me when I say that naysayers did not build British Columbia and they will not build British Columbia. Visionaries build British Columbia.”

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