WINNIPEG, Man. — The Government of Canada has announced new funding for two intelligent transportation systems (ITS) projects in Manitoba.

The feds will provide up to 50% of funding, to a maximum of $75,000, for CentrePort Canada, a 20,000-acre inland port and trade area in Winnipeg, to consider the application of new technologies to its operational design. The funding will be provided through the ITS component of the Strategic Highway Infrastructure Program (SHIP).

Manitoba is providing $65,000 and CentrePort is providing $10,000 for the study.

“Applying innovative solutions such as ITS to the transportation network will increase efficiency and competitiveness, improve safety and create jobs,” said Steven Fletcher, Minister of State (Transport). “These innovative technologies will help position CentrePort Canada as a primary corridor for trade, international business and investment.”

“Manitoba is pleased to work collaboratively with our federal partners to achieve our shared vision of establishing CentrePort Canada as the most secure inland port in North America,” said Steve Ashton, Manitoba’s Minister of Infrastructure and Transportation. “By engaging in this study, CentrePort Canada will be developing best-in-class secure facilities and top-tier cargo tracking technology to ensure the expedited processing and secure handling of goods.”

CentrePort Canada will study ITS practices at other inland ports to determine whether they could be successfully implemented at CentrePort. Officials say there are two main objectives of this project: to reduce the time needed for secure cargo shipments originating from CentrePort to cross international borders; and to increase the security of cross-border freight shipments.

“We would like to thank the federal government and the provincial government for their commitment to the ongoing development of CentrePort Canada, and their willingness to work with us and the private sector on the potential for importing leading-edge technology to our inland port,” said Diane Gray, president and CEO of CentrePort Canada. “We want to build on the many advantages of CentrePort by looking at how we can improve supply chain integration and enhance the safe, secure and efficient movement of cargo across international borders.”

The governments of Canada and Manitoba have also each provided $265,000 for a total of $530,000 for the new Border Crossing Traveller Information System at the Pembina, North Dakota-Emerson, Manitoba border crossing. The Border Crossing Traveller Information System was installed and became operational in April.

“The Government of Canada is proud to help implement ITS at border crossings,” said Minister Fletcher. “Using advanced technology at the Pembina-Emerson border crossing will help reduce delays and congestion, and will help move people and goods across the border more efficiently.”

“The Province of Manitoba recognizes the strategic significance and role of the Pembina-Emerson port in supporting the development of Manitoba as a leading trade and transportation gateway jurisdiction,” said Minister Ashton. “The new Border Traveller Information System is providing real-time road, weather and port processing information to more than 500,000 annual southbound cross-border travellers entering the United States through this strategic mid-continental gateway.”

The Border Crossing Traveller Information System provides southbound drivers with information such as lane assignments and road weather conditions. The information will be provided by US Customs and Border Protection, the North Dakota Department of Transportation and the National Weather Service.

Intelligent transportation systems are a suite of advanced technologies that facilitate the management of transport networks, monitor safety, disseminate information, and permit vehicle and incident detection and tracking.