Federal Environment Minister Announces Decision on Trans-Canada Highway / Perth-Andover to Woodstock Project

OTTAWA - August 24, 2004 -- The Honourable Stéphane Dion, Minister of the Environment, today announced that the New Brunswick Department of Transportation proposal to construct a new four-lane section of the Trans-Canada Highway will not require referral to a mediator or review panel under the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act. Minister Dion has referred the project back to the responsible authorities, Transport Canada, Infrastructure Canada and Fisheries and Oceans Canada, for appropriate action.

"I am pleased that, as a result of the environmental assessment process, segments of the highway have been realigned in order to save and protect clusters of rare plants," said Minister Dion.

The Minister has determined that the project is not likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects. The Minister based his decision on the following:

• the comprehensive study report, including the conclusions and recommendations submitted by the responsible authorities;
• the results of the public consultation period on the comprehensive study report;
• the implementation of mitigation measures identified in the report; and
• the implementation of a follow-up program.

The New Brunswick Department of Transportation is proposing the construction of a new section of divided highway. The proposed section of highway will begin just south of the Trans-Canada Highway/Route 190 Interchange in the Village of Perth-Andover, will continue past River de Chute, Florenceville, Hartland, and end in the vicinity of the intersection of the Trans-Canada Highway/Route 550 (Connell Road) in the town of Woodstock. The proposed highway will be approximately 70 kilometers in length and will be funded under the Canadian Strategic Infrastructure Fund program.

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The Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency administers the federal environmental assessment process, which identifies the environmental effects of proposed projects and measures to address those effects, in support of sustainable development.

For more information:

Robert Deslauriers
Senior Communications Advisor
Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency
Tel.: (613) 957-0396
Fax: (613) 957-0946
E-mail: robert.deslauriers@ceaa-acee.gc.ca