Is this a disaster? The NDP can't tell...

This bridge just north of Dominion City in the R.M. of Franklin collapsed about three weeks ago. It appears the highwater and high flows of last year and early this spring set the stage for weakening the bridge and resulting in its collapse.

Is it a disaster? I think most of us would agree that when a community loses an important local bridge like this due to natural causes, it should be eligible for some disaster assistance.

Well, it appears that the province is not really sure.

When I visited the bridge with Reeve Archie Hunter and Councillor Bryan Nichols on Sunday, I learned that the provincial government is dragging its feet in determining whether the costs related to this disaster are eligible for funding under the provincial Disaster Financial Assistance Agreement. Neither clean up nor reconstruction can begin in earnest until the provincial government makes a decision on whether or not it will pony up some money to help the local community rebuild.

In fact, Reeve Archie Hunter and his Council in the R.M. of Franklin are not asking for full restoration of the bridge to its previous size and capacity. All they are looking for is its replacement with a modest foot bridge to enable foot traffic across the Roseau River. The R.M. Council's decision is consistent with local needs, the importance of a quick connection across the river, and the importance of emphasizing health and exercise. The provincial government's lack of any decision, however, is entirely consistent with NDP dithering.