MOUNTAIN VIEW COUNTY - County council has approved the 2021 capital budget, which calls for spending of $10,609,000.
The move came by way of motion at a recent regularly scheduled council meeting, held by teleconference.
The budget calls for spending of $1,940,000 on the capital bridge program, with the first projects planned being bridge replacements at Walton Creek (NW 3-33-7-5), Beaverdam Creek (SW 25-29-3-5), and Lonepine Creek (SW 30-31-27-4) as well as culvert replacements at Olds Creek (NW 26-33-2-5) and Lonepine Creek tributary (SW 16-30-27-4).
The budget calls for spending of $1,687,500 on the re-gravel program and $1,500,000 on the re-chipping program.
“This program is completed using internal forces and equipment. Cost saving to the program will result in less equipment costs transferred from the operating budget to the capital budget,” administration said in the budget project sheet.
The budget calls for $600,000 to be spent on the base stabilization program.
“This program takes existing chip seal roads that are no longer meeting service expectation due to surface conditions or base failure and revitalizes them. In year one the surface is removed, the base is re-compacted and soil stabilizer is applied. In year two additional gravel is added and new double chip seal is applied under the annual regraveling program.”
The Rge. Rd. 20 engineering project has a budget of $500,000.
“This road is a priority to fix every spring as it is a high traffic area. Upgrading it to a paved status will reduce the fixes needed every year and allow resources to be allocated to other roads.
“Engineering includes final design tender preparation, environmental and water act approvals, public engagement, and costs related to utility companies.”
The total cost of that project is estimated to be $5.15 million and the total length of the paved road is about eight kilometres.
The Burns Ranch road repair project has a budget of $205,000.
“A more aggressive strategy is required to ensure this road remains open year round as it is a major collector road that links Mountain View County to Kneehill County. Because this road travels through a wetland, a consultant will be required to address this reoccurring problem and submit plans to the province for approval.”
The Burrell grave pit reclamation budget is $170,000.
