News Release

EDMUNDSTON (GNB) – The provincial government has funded three paving projects in partnership with the City of Edmundston this year under the Municipal Designated Highway Program.

“Edmundston is the hub of northwestern New Brunswick,” said Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Bill Fraser. “As the region’s largest centre, it needs safe, modern, reliable infrastructure to keep people and the economy moving.”

Three paving projects were completed last month: 1.2 kilometres on Canada Street, 370 metres on Centre Madawaska Boulevard, and 1.85 kilometres on Principale Street.

“Your government recognizes the importance of working with our municipal partners to help our communities grow,” said Fraser. “We are listening to our municipal partners and getting things done for New Brunswick communities.”

Under the program, municipalities apply for funding assistance for capital upgrade projects. The government received funding requests valued at more than $210 million through the program this year.

“These projects represent significant upgrades to our city’s infrastructure,” said Edmundston Mayor Cyrille Simard. “We appreciate the province’s support of our application to maintain our city streets.”

The province’s $775.6-million capital budget, which includes the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure’s capital budget of $638.5 million, reflects the government’s priority to support its buildings, highways and bridges.

Funding for the Municipal Designated Highway Program has more than doubled since the 2014-15 fiscal year, increasing to $25 million in 2015. It has remained at that level as part of a government commitment to sustain funding for municipalities.

Strategic investments in infrastructure are a key component of the New Brunswick Economic Growth Plan, the government’s framework for growing the economy and creating jobs.