What we did as an organization was sign on with the University of Saskatchewan to do a bridge design on what we call local roads, which really don't come under the criteria for major impact but still can sustain primary weight and can reduce costs wherever we need to build bridges rather than make them put pipe in.
The Alberta association has sent a letter of support, and we have taken this research on. We think we can cut bridge funding by as much as 40% per bridge. That could work right across this country.
What we're asking for is some funding under WD to assist us in this. The research project is about $1.1 million to $1.2 million, of which we have allocated $500,000 to that project already, in partnership with the university and also with the private sector, to do this bridge design.
It really would be a huge step forward for rural Canada, if we could bring the high cost of bridges—anywhere from $750,000 to $1 million per bridge—down to $400,000 or $500,000. In essence, it would save taxpayers of this country an awful lot of money.
Thanks.