News Release

FREDERICTON (GNB) – The Department of Transportation and Infrastructure, as part of the government renewal process, will be focusing on delivering programs and services more efficiently. The minister, Claude Williams, made this announcement while releasing the department’s $273.3 million ordinary account estimates for 2012-13.

"These budget estimates are a reflection of our government's efforts to be fiscally responsible, while rebuilding the relationship between New Brunswickers and their public service and restoring trust in government," Williams said. "As the new department comes together, we are focusing on how goals, resources and functions can be merged and shared and how we can balance the combined expertise we have at our disposal.”

The department is a merger of the former departments of transportation and supply and services.

“Efforts are being made to condense and streamline our operations and eliminate overlap and duplication of services,” said Williams. “Quality service delivery, performance excellence and continuous improvement will be our main themes."

In 2012-13, the department will invest:

●    $60.6 million in winter maintenance;
●    $56.9 million for summer highway, bridge and ferry maintenance;
●    $58.9 million for buildings, property and facilities management;
●    $56.7 million for grants in lieu of taxes;
●    $20 million for the New Brunswick Highway Corporation;
●    $18 million for financial and administrative services, policy and strategic development, human resources, information management and district administration;
●    $2.2 million for planning and design of bridge and highway construction.