A £1million grant to fund Newtown's third bridge crossing has been confirmed.
The cycle and walk bridge will be built over the River Severn between the current county council yard on Pool Road and Canal Road.
Revealed several months ago, the Welsh Government has now confirmed it will be providing a £1 million grant to the project, along with £700,000 to other transport schemes in Powys.
The announcement was made in a written statement by Welsh Government Cabinet Secretary for Economy and Transport, Ken Skates.
The £1,718,260 for Powys is part of funding worth £32.9million given to schemes the length and breadth of Wales.
Powys' finance portfolio holder, Cllr Aled Davies brought the councillors’ attention to the breaking news from Cardiff.
“Ken Skates has announced we will be receiving grants from the Local Transport Fund and Local Transport Network Fund. There are five schemes it would benefit in Powys. Much of this has been in the media, but it has just been confirmed," he said.
Mid and West Wales AM, Eluned Morgan, said: “I am regularly talking with employers and employees in rural Wales about how we can unlock the potential of our economy. Improving our infrastructure is part of that, whether it be faster broadband or improving our road network and public transport network
“I am proud that the Welsh Government continues to support projects that improve the way in which people get to and from work more safely and with the environment in mind.”
Cllr Davies congratulated corporate director for economy and environment, Nigel Brinn on the successful grant applications.
“Thanks Nigel and your team for pursuing those grants, you only have to build a bridge now.”
In his statement, Mr Skates AM, said: “The grants are a substantial investment to support sustainable local economic growth, enhance public transport facilities, create and improve routes that will encourage more people in Wales to walk and cycle.”
The successful schemes in Powys are:
Road Safety Revenue Grant
Education & Training – £125,260
Local Transport Fund
Llandrindod Wells – £85,000
Local Transport Network Fund
Passenger Infrastructure Enhancements – £350,000
Active Travel Fund
Strategic – Newtown Bridge (The 3rd Crossing) – £1 million
Core Active Travel Fund Allocation – £158,000
By MyNewtown Editorial and Elgan Hearn, Local Democracy Service
