The provincial government announced $1.29 million for the reconstruction of the Beaver River Bridge on Highway 26 inThornbury.

The McGuinty government is providing the funding through the Ontario government's $15 million Connecting Link program, according to a release.

Director of Engineering and Public Works, Reg Russwurm, said the announcement comes too late to start significant work this summer, however the town is working to update the designs and start the tender and award period, which will stretch into the fall.

"The project schedule needs to be confirmed with the design consultant, however I hope we can do some under bridge work this winter or early spring as permitted by the Ministry of Natural Resources with completion next summer," said Russwurm.  

The Blue Mountains' Beaver River Bridge is one of 17 local road and bridge repair projects throughout the province receiving funding from the Connecting Link program this year.

As for plans of a laser light show installed at the Mill Dam, Russwurm said the construction of the bridge is separate, though it may include a conduit for later installation of the equipment when the bridge is completed.

Funding for the laser light show will not be tax based, instead the town hopes to raise the $145,835 through grants, donations and developer contributions, according to a report adopted by council in the 2009 budget.

The report stipulates that the project, which includes a downtown sound system, will not go ahead without 100 per cent of the costs covered by grants and donations.