News Release

SAINT JOHN (CNB) – The provincial and federal governments are investing in four infrastructure projects that will improve roads, highways and water distribution in Saint John. The announcement was made today by Energy Minister Jack Keir and Saint John MP Rodney Weston.

“These upgrades and improvements will ensure the people of Saint John and New Brunswick have safe roads and good, reliable drinking water systems,” said Keir.

Keir was speaking on behalf of Business New Brunswick Minister Victor Boudreau, minister responsible for the Regional Development Corporation.

"Canada's Economic Action Plan continues to lay the groundwork for a future of economic strength and security in New Brunswick and across Canada,” said Weston. “These investments to improve Saint John's water and highway infrastructure, which are crucial to ensuring healthy, strong communities, will have a real and lasting impact on the city and its residents.”

Weston was speaking on behalf of Chuck Strahl, federal minister of transport, infrastructure and communities.

“Thanks to the support of the governments of Canada and New Brunswick, the City of Saint John will be able to make these much-needed improvements,” said Saint John Mayor Ivan Court. “Common council has made a commitment to safe, clean drinking water and to improved roads. These projects are important steps to meeting our goals.”

The federal and provincial governments will jointly fund up to $4.64 million for estimated eligible project costs, while the City of Saint John will contribute $1.75 million. The federal investment is coming from the Infrastructure Stimulus Fund.

Total eligible costs for all four projects are estimated at $6.39 million: $4.89 million for road and highway improvements and $1.75 million for improvements to drinking water distribution.

The projects involve repaving and repairing several sections of roads and highways; installing a new watermain to service Spruce Lake Industrial Park; and repairing the Cottage Hill and Rockwood water storage reservoirs.

The provincial and federal governments have agreed to deliver infrastructure stimulus funding quickly and efficiently so that construction can begin as soon as possible.

In New Brunswick, some 59 projects, totalling a federal investment of close to $91 million, have been announced since the launch of the Infrastructure Stimulus Fund.

Backgrounder: Infrastructure stimulus fund at work in New Brunswick

The federal government will provide up to $2.32 million under the Infrastructure Stimulus Fund (ISF) to support two drinking water projects and two pavement rehabilitation projects in Saint John. Total eligible project costs for all four projects are estimated at $6.39 million. The provincial government will match the federal contribution, and the City of Saint John will provide $1.75 million toward the two water projects and one of the pavement rehabilitation project.

Through the ISF, the governments of Canada and New Brunswick have committed up to $46.8 million to support terminal improvements, modifications and expansion at the Port of Belledune; $18 million for upgrades to the New Brunswick Southern Railway; and $10 million for the Bouctouche Civic Centre.

The ISF complements existing and long-term federal infrastructure funding by focusing on short-term objectives for economic stimulus. Projects focus largely on the rehabilitation of existing assets such as water, wastewater, public transit, highways, roads, culture, parks, and trails.

Projects:

●    Safe cleaning drinking water: Spruce Lake Industrial Park watermain installation. Installation of 981 metres of a new, 250-mm diameter watermain along King William Road and Water Tower Road to service the industrial park. Total eligible costs: $900,000. Provincial funding: $300,000. Federal funding: $300,000.
●    Safe cleaning drinking water: Cottage Hill and Rockwood water storage reservoirs. Rehabilitation and re-coating of both. Total eligible costs: $600,000. Provincial funding: $200,000. Federal funding: $200,000.
●    Asphalt pavements: Resurfacing of about 40.6 kilometres of roads throughout Saint John. Total eligible costs: $3.75 million. Provincial funding: $1.25 million. Federal funding: $1.25 million.
●    Route 111, Section I: Campbell Drive / Marr Road area. Section II: Golden Grove interchange to 2009 contract. Section III: Saint John city limit to Howell Drive. A total of 5.2 kilometres of pavement rehabilitation. Total eligible costs: $1.14 million. Provincial funding: $570,000. Federal funding: $570,000.

Total eligible costs for all projects: $6.39 million.
Total provincial funding: $2.32 million
Total federal funding: $2.32 million