News Release

May 20, 2004

$154 MILLION FOR INFRASTRUCTURE IN NEW BRUNSWICK:
BYPASS PROJECTS AND MUNICIPAL RURAL INFRASTRUCTURE FUND GET GREEN LIGHT

FREDERICTON, New Brunswick - Premier Bernard Lord and Minister of State (Infrastructure) Andy Scott today announced new infrastructure projects in New Brunswick totalling up to $154 million.

Premier Lord and Minister Scott signed an agreement in principle that will inject $99 million into infrastructure projects across New Brunswick, under the new Canada–New Brunswick Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund. The five-year agreement will be cost-shared equally between the federal, provincial and municipal levels of government.

They also announced two key New Brunswick urban bypass priorities: construction of Phase 1 of the Nashwaak/Marysville bypass around Marysville, and Phase 1 of the Greater Moncton/Riverview/Dieppe bypass, which will link the Greater Moncton urban area to trade corridors.

The Governments of Canada and New Brunswick have each committed up to $18.5 million for the future development of these projects, and are commited to working with the municipalities of Fredericton, Moncton, Dieppe and Riverview on these two priorities. The joint funding for these bypass projects will generate investments of up to $55 million by all partners.

“The Government of Canada is pleased to continue to work together with the Government of New Brunswick to provide the best possible infrastructure for this province. The Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund will support projects that contribute to cleaner air, safer water and better transportation for communities in all parts of the province,” said Minister Scott. “This is exactly what the new deal for municipalities is all about. The bypass projects in Fredericton and Moncton are also a great example of how governments can work together for communities. These projects will reduce urban congestion, make our roads safer and support trade.”

This announcement directly addresses the Building Strategic Infrastructure building block of Greater Opportunity: New Brunswick's Prosperity Plan, the provincial government's 10 year plan to bring lasting prosperity and greater opportunity to New Brunswickers, Premier Lord said.

“By building strategic transportation and public infrastructure, we can improve our competitiveness, facilitate the movement of people, goods and services, and provide important public services essential to our quality of life,” said Premier Lord. “These initiatives of critical road infrastructure renewal will also ensure that New Brunswick communities, large and small, are sustainable, competitive and healthy centres for economic growth and innovation.”

The Governments of Canada and New Brunswick have agreed that at least 80 per cent of the funding available under the Canada–New Brunswick Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund will go to “green” projects that provide health benefits and improve the quality of the environment and contribute to cleaner soil and air. Green project categories include: water, wastewater, solid waste, public transit, and environmental energy improvements. Other eligible project categories will be local roads, and cultural, recreational and tourism infrastructure and broadband connectivity. Under the program, projects will be funded equally by the federal, provincial and municipal governments. The Governments of Canada and New Brunswick have each committed $33 million.

The Nashwaak/Marysville and Greater Moncton/Riverview/Dieppe Bypasses will reduce traffic congestion and provide more efficient and safe routes for commercial truck traffic, providing better links to interprovincial and international trade corridors.

Following today's announcement, the Government of Canada will work with the Government of New Brunswick and the municipalities and local service districts to evaluate and finalize the project details for funding. These projects will be subject to environmental assessments and financial support will be subject to meeting applicable federal and provincial requirements. Work will also continue to finalize the agreement for the Canada–New Brunswick Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund.

Through the Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund (MRIF), the Government of Canada will invest $1 billion in priority infrastructure projects across Canada. The MRIF builds on the success and lessons learned from previous programs and complements programs such as the Canada Strategic Infrastructure Fund (CSIF), from which the federal contribution to the road projects will come.

Through the $4-billion CSIF, the Government of Canada works with provincial, territorial and municipal governments, as well as with the private sector, to meet strategic infrastructure needs throughout the country. The CSIF supports large-scale strategic infrastructure projects that improve quality of life and further sustainable growth.

Federal funding for both initiatives was provided for in the February 2003 Budget and is built into the existing fiscal framework.

Contacts:

Mary Johnson
Office of the Minister of State (Infrastructure)
(613) 952-1684

Infrastructure Canada
Communications and Promotion
(613) 948-1148

Chisholm Pothier
Office of the Premier
(506) 453-2144

Christelle Léger
Communications Officer
Environment and Local Government
(506) 453-6703

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