Feds Confirm $33 Million for Railway Upgrade

(The Sault Star, April 1, 2010)  It's official: The federal government has committed to providing Huron Central Rail with $33 million for infrastructure improvements. 

Responding to a question in the House of Commons Wednesday from Sault Ste. Marie MP Tony Martin, federal Industry Minister Tony Clement said the money is committed to the project. 

"This government said it would support the HCR if the Ontario government signed the framework agreement and committed funding. Well, they've done that," Martin stated in his preamble to the question.

"I'm pleased with the results and I'm thankful to all those who have worked on this," Martin told The Sault Star. "This is a fine example of what can happen when we work together," he said.

Martin said saving the rail line will significantly help the economy of the region and especially some of the smaller communities between Sault Ste. Marie and Sudbury.

He said he believes the extensive lobbying by the committee, elected officials and communities was a factor in the decision.

Last August, Huron Central Rail announced that it would stop running the line between the Sault and Sudbury, citing the need for major infrastructure improvements in order to return to profitability. The Ontario government committed a $33-million share of the cost in its budget last week.