News Release

FREDERICTON (GNB) – The Department of Transportation and Infrastructure will transform its operations to become a performance-based organization this fiscal year.

Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Claude Williams made the announcement today during main estimates. The department's estimates for 2013-14 total $272.3 million.

“We intend to find $26 million in efficiencies through reduced operating costs, increased labour productivity and more efficient use of equipment and materials,” Williams said. “We are learning to be more efficient and more productive in everything we do, while living within our means. The result will be a stronger, more efficient department, while maintaining excellent service to our clients.”

From the operating budget, the department will invest:

●    $57.6 million for winter maintenance;
●    $53 million for summer highway, bridge and ferry maintenance;
●    $60.3 million for buildings, property and facilities management;
●    $58.3 million for grants in lieu of taxes;
●    $24 million for the New Brunswick Highway Corporation;
●    $17.9 million for financial and administrative services, policy and strategic development, human resources, information management, and district administration; and
●    $1.2 million for planning and design for bridge and highway construction.

As announced in the provincial budget, Williams said the department will be selling the government plane. To ensure transparency, a public process will be implemented to complete this sale and maximize the financial benefit to taxpayers.

A review of the government fleet is also being carried out with the goal of reducing the number of light vehicles by a minimum of 10 per cent in the fiscal year.

“Today's budget estimates are a reflection of our government's efforts to take a realistic, responsible and balanced approach to governing in these challenging fiscal times,” Williams said. “It is also reflective of the department's commitment to performance excellence and continuous improvement.”