News Release

ST. GEORGE (GNB) – Improvements and renovations valued at more than $470,000 will be made to Department of Agriculture, Aquaculture and Fisheries offices in St. George this year. This will support improved disinfection of boats and vehicles and also maximize the use of provincial government building space.

“Investing strategically in our infrastructure helps create jobs,” said Premier Brian Gallant. “This investment will support the operations of the Agriculture, Aquaculture and Fisheries and Energy and Resource Development departments, which are focused on growing these important sectors for the New Brunswick economy.”

The 2018-19 capital budget includes funding for a disinfection station at the Department of Agriculture, Aquaculture and Fisheries operations in St. George, as well as funding to move Energy and Resource Development offices into the same building.

“Your government is making the investments that recognize today’s priorities and tomorrow’s needs as we work to support job creation and economic development. These are necessary investments,” said Energy and Resource Development Minister Rick Doucet, who is also the minister of aquaculture and fisheries. “We know that biosecurity is of utmost importance to our aquaculture sector. Enhancing our abilities to disinfect boats, equipment and other vehicles efficiently and effectively is a commitment to our environment. In addition, co-locating provincial offices will reduce expenses related to office space, allowing the province to use existing assets more efficiently.”

At 107 square metres (1,152 square feet), the new disinfection building will provide improved control and retention of cleaning and disinfection solutions, and allow staff to enhance cleaning and disinfection protocols even during inclement weather. Both departments will be able to store their equipment at a compound being constructed on the same site.

This project will address two objectives: to provide an indoor facility large enough to accommodate vessels for disinfection after returning from site visits, and to provide an area where staff from various government departments and agencies can clean and disinfect their trucks, vessels and equipment.

The aging Energy and Resource Development building in St. George will become surplus property.

This project is part of $815.3 million in investments in public infrastructure being made through the 2018-19 capital budget.