There has still been no response as to whether government funding will be provided to Huron Central Railway for repair and upgrade of the spur between Sudbury and Sault Ste. Marie.
On Friday, Algoma-Manitoulin MPP Mike Manta’s office told The Moose that their understanding is that there is a federal commitment to fund a portion of the line upgrades through the National Trade Corridors Fund, but it is contingent on the province coming to the table with a funding commitment.
They were also told that the provincial commitment must be made by today, November 6th, to be eligible for the federal funding.
Genessee & Wyoming Canada, the parent company of Huron Central Railway Inc., claims it needs between $5 million – $6 million annually to keep its infrastructure in shape on its 278 km of rail line to, in turn, keep industry products and supplies running to the region’s major industries.
It also has letters of support from its three main customers: Domtar in Espanola, EACOM in Nairn Centre and Essar Algoma Steel in the Sault.
The 44-employee rail carrier’s ask is a combined $46 million over five years.
Mantha says the Liberals have not come to the table and, to his knowledge the Conservatives have not matched the NDPs funding commitment or made any commitment of their own either.
Since May 2017, New Democrats have committed to provide $4 million a year for 5 years to meet the provincial funding requirement—this is a firm commitment should we form government in 2018.