NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release 2008FOR0137-001532 Oct. 9, 2008	Ministry of Forests and Range
$120,000 INVESTED TO IMPROVE ROAD NEAR MACKENZIE

VICTORIA – The Province is investing $120,000 this fall for the installation of two bridges on the Finlay Forest Service road to replace bridges washed out last year, Forests and Range Minister Pat Bell announced today.

 

“The safety of the Finlay Forest Service road is important – especially since it’s the only road that provides access to Kwadacha and Tsay Keh,” said Bell. “This is a high-priority project and I decided to allocate additional funding this year to put the permanent bridge in place.”

 

            The project forms a vital link to the Interior since the road has one of the highest levels of usage in the province during normal forestry operations. It is also a gateway to the Muskwa-Kechika Park for outdoor enthusiasts and a route to access mining operations and exploration areas.

 

Temporary crossings currently in place will be replaced with permanent bridges. The Finlay Forest Service Road provides access to large area north of the community of Mackenzie including the communities of Kwadacha and Tsay Keh, which have a combined total population of over 600 residents. Both First Nations support the project. The road is also used as a back-up to access Germansen Landing and Manson Creek in the event of fire.

 

Work will start this fall and the bridges will be replaced by mid-December. There will be no interruptions to road access because the temporary structures are designed to accommodate traffic during construction of the permanent bridges.

 

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Media contact:	Sophia Proctor Ministry of Forests and Range 250 387-4592
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