Whanganui snares a further $2.6million from NZTA

Whanganui has picked up a further $2.6 million in NZ Transport Agency funding just days after a $38.8 million package was announced.

The further funding will go towards footpath renewals, maintenance and active transport which complements the $38.8 million for roading maintenance and special projects, including the Fitzherbert Ave extension.

NZTA will fund 61 per cent of the district's footpath programme for the next three years which Whanganui District Council general infrastructure manager Mark Hughes said would be worth $1.5 million.

"This is unprecedented as in the past the council has funded the entire budget for maintenance and renewal of our footpaths," he said.

"One proviso of this funding, however, is that we ensure what we save is not re-directed elsewhere but is invested in more road maintenance, renewals and improvements."

NZTA has also approved $1.15 million for cycling education for 2018-2021 which will cover all costs for a full time active transport facilitator and for the Let's Go skills training programme and resources.

ACC has also agreed to contribute $44,250 for adults skills training and $26,000 for a New Zealand trial for the Arthritis Foundation in Whanganui.