WINNIPEG – Manitoba’s recent announcement to boost funding for roads and highways hasn’t impressed truckers and motorists who say the province has neglected infrastructure for too long.

Instead of applauding Premier Gary Doer’s pledge to redirect cash from a $500 “rainy day” fund for road improvement projects, the Manitoba Trucking Association and CAA Manitoba rapped the government for what they say are crumbling highways, reports the Winnipeg Free Press.

No actual dollar figure was announced. But the province reportedly has about $100 million more than expected in the fund.

Highways advocates like the MTA have long complained about underfunding.

“Successive governments have failed to make the appropriate investment in our highways, while at the same time they collect fuel taxes,” Bob Dolyniuk, MTA general manager, was quoted by the Free Press.

He describes the province’s latest funding announcement as a pittance, because it fails to address the infrastructure deficit in the long term. He added that the federal government has also failed to do its part.

Dolyniuk said the worst roads include sections of the Trans-Canada Highway, the Perimeter and Highway 75.

— from the Winnipeg Free Press