Expressions of interest are being accepted for the first stage of a project that will ultimately convert a 22.5-kilometre stretch of road in the Ottawa Valley from two lanes to four.

The annual awards recognize federally regulated organizations for their contributions to diversity and inclusion.

A new grant will help offset the cost of tools for apprentices, while the province is also forgiving $10 million in outstanding loans owed under the Loans for Tools program.

Witmer has overseen a number of key changes to the board’s financial health and operating environment.

The project has finally been approved to proceed, and should be completed in just over two years.