Ashburton's Mayor hasn't given up hope of a second bridge to flood-proof the South Island's main highway

The four million dollars announced by Jacinda Ardern today is for assisting farmers with uninsured repair work.

Neil Brown says he didn't get a yes from Ardern for the bridge.

He hopes the eventual business case for a new bridge will sway her opinion.

Brown says the Government needs to step in - as the South Island will come to a standstill if the existing bridge goes out again.