By Brian Schultz
The province is spending $72.5 million to develop an all-weather road on the east side of Lake Winnipeg.
The announcement was made Tuesday at a news conference by Premier Greg Selinger and Aboriginal leaders. Selinger noted the shortened lifespan of winter roads due to climate change and the vulnerability of they face in the southern part of the province.
The 160-kilomometre all-weather road will stretch all the way to Berens River, and will be the first leg of an expanded winter road system throughout the province.
The provincial government is hoping federal funding is contributed to help offset the cost.
Environmental approvals are expected to be completed by the end of 2010.
Earlier this month, truckers were forced to abandon their loads after becoming stuck on closed winter roads that had become too muddy to travel.
RCMP handout photo
