The RM of Portage la Prairie supports the Norfolk Treherne Community Development Corp long-term plan to have Highway 305 turned into an RTAC Class A roadway.

Dena Viallet is the Economic Development Officer in Norfolk Treherne and visited the RM to seek councils support.

"We have enormous support on this," says Vialett. "I'm confident the province seemed receptive. I'm confident that this will be put in. It is a long-term plan, but I'm confident it will eventually happen."

She says a better link between Highway 2 and Highway 1 would be created by having the 305 turned into a Class A roadway. She adds producers would not be putting on extra kilometres, costing them more. She adds it would eliminate 1900 tonnes of CO2 emissions.

Viallet notes the province wants a consensus that this is the best plan and is one that fits with the overall provincial network plan for getting direct access for products and for our producers.

"We're lucky enough for Simplot and Roquette to chose our area. So, we need to support them," stresses Viallet.

Garth Asham is Deputy Reeve and Councillor for Ward One of the RM of Portage.

"The RM responded positively," says Asham. "We think it's a good thing for the RM to support. There are tons of truck traffic on 305 and larger traffic that we need to have a good road for them to travel on If we can get that upgraded."

Asham adds it divides up some other traffic on Highways 13 & 240 by utilizing the 305. He notes the 305 would be well used and be advantageous for the RM and all the industry with the development of Roquette and Simplot.