I know it does not talk about James bay area,but Gravelle is involved and that could mean cause he knows whats up in the james bay.If you want to put this in OT, please do.

Campaigning to save rail infrastructure

Posted By STAR STAFF

Posted 1 hour ago

With a decision imminent on money for Ontario short-line rail, New Democrat MPs say they are campaigning hard to save vital rail infrastructure, such as Huron Central Railway's Sault Ste. Marie to Sudbury line.

"We strongly support public investment in northern rail," David Jeanes, president of national citizen advocacy group Transport Action, said in a release. "We have been working closely with community groups, including the Coalition for Algoma Passenger Trains, to find solutions to benefit the regional economy."

Sault Ste. Marie MP Tony Martin said that based on earlier comments from federal government officials, money for rail infrastructure was expected by the end of January.

A partnership of communities, First Nations and industries from Sault Ste. Marie to Sudbury said it needs $12 million now in stimulus funds and $21 million from the Build Canada Infrastructure Fund that is tied to forging a Canada-Ontario rail agreement.

The application is the largest of seven Ontario short-line railway applications for funding.

New Democrat MPs said Northern Ontario's rail systems need the cash to stay open.

"Investing in essential northern rail infrastructure like the Sault-Sudbury line would pay immediate dividends for many northern industries, linking them to other freight lines and markets," said Nickel Belt MP Claude Gravelle.

"Rail investment in the HCR grows our Northern economy, helps the environment, and keeps a truly pan-Northern transportation network viable. If these short line tracks are ripped up, future opportunities disappear."

"We are right in the heart of Canada and a vital transportation link to markets in the east, west and south," said Sudbury MP Glenn Thibeault. "The map of Canada says it all.

"You can't build a national transportation network without substantial investment in Northern Ontario."

The 288-kilometre Huron Central Railway line was on life support last summer with a proposed shutdown until the Canadian and Ontario governments gave it $3 million following strong pressure from dozens of municipalities, Algoma rail coalition and New Democrat MPs and MPPs.