A petition created earlier this summer by an Airdrie resident advocating for the 40th Avenue overpass has received over 5,500 signatures.

The petition was started by Sherry Verner, urging the provincial government to approve funding for the project. She started it after Mayor Peter Brown issued a public plea to residents to write the local MLAs about the issues with traffic and safety.

Read more: Petition started highlighting the need for the 40th AVE overpass

Airdrie-East MLA Angela Pitt says she has been receiving letters from residents and their words aren’t going unheard.

“This has been a project that I’ve submitted to the government over the past four years in terms of priorities for our community,” she said. “I’ve of course met with the Mayor and City Council in regards to this project and the impact it will have on our community.”

There has been some criticism on social media about why residents should have to voice their opinions to their elected representatives, but Pitt says it’s a critical part of democracy.

“Feedback is important in terms of representation. We’re certainly elected on a certain platform; a very large one I might add, but the local voice to your local MLA is critical,” she explained. “I need to know what the human impact is of decisions that are made.”

Read more: Airdrie’s Mayor fired up over need for a new overpass

Pitt says she has been in conversation with the transportation minister about the needs for the overpass in Airdrie however it will take time.

The government has made it clear that fiscal restraint is a priority and they need to sort out where spending should be focused.

“Many people are quite understanding of the fact we have a financial crisis in this province right now and there are a lot of needs across the province,” Pitt said.

“We’re eagerly awaiting the results of our Blue Ribbon Panel, that will come back here shortly, so that we have all the information we need in making decisions moving forward in terms of infrastructure and transportation projects.”

According to the province, the Blue Ribbon Panel is a group of appointed experts who are looking into Alberta's Finances.

“[The panel will] find ways to eliminate waste, duplication and non-essential spending, to fund government’s key priorities, while ensuring high-quality, front-line services for Albertans,” said the Alberta government website.

The panel will provide a report to the minister of Treasury Board and Finance by August 15, 2019.

The report is expected to be made public in September, with key recommendations included in the United Conservative Party’s 2019 budget.

 

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