The MP for Huron-Bruce has announced federal funding for the Bruce County Rail Trail system.
Ben Lobb says the federal government is making $80,000 available through the National Recreational Trails Program, which will be used to upgrade the trail surface south of Port Elgin between Saugeen Township Concession 6 and Bruce Rd. 33.
The 18 km of trail to be upgraded are currently only used for all-terrain vehicles and snowmobiles, but the improvements are expected to make the trail safe for hiking and cycling.
Warden Mitch Twolan says it's vital funding for the county, pointing out the financial constraints facing municipalities.
"You've heard the budget process and the stresses on a lot of our local municipalities and at the county, as well. This is tax dollars that are hard to raise sometimes, but this is what our federal partners are here for to help us out and we're very thankful," says Twolan.
The trail work is expected to begin later this spring.