Bridge Reconstruction Projects Will Improve Safety, Security

Nova Scotians will soon benefit from improved bridges in Cumberland County and Sydney River.

The governments of Canada and Nova Scotia will consider the two projects as priorities for infrastructure funding under the Major Infrastructure Component of the Building Canada Fund. MLA Brian Skabar, on behalf of Bill Estabrooks, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal, and MP Scott Armstrong, on behalf of John Baird, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Canada, made the announcement today, April 9.

"Maintaining solid and efficient infrastructure in Nova Scotia is a priority for government," said Mr. Skabar. "The road-building industry is a large source of jobs, and we are committed to creating and maintaining good jobs across the province."

"Through the Economic Action Plan, the government of Canada is working to ensure that Nova Scotia comes out of this period of economic uncertainty stronger than ever before," said Mr. Armstrong. "As we enter the second year of the plan, government will contribute to infrastructure projects like these ones announced today, which will put Canadians to work and establish the foundation for a solid and prosperous economic future in our country."

The two projects will include rebuilding and repairing the Northport Bridge on Route 366 in Cumberland County, and the Sydney River Bridge, on Route 305, in Cape Breton Regional Municipality.

The Northport Bridge project has an estimated cost of $3.5 million. Canada will set aside up to one-half of eligible costs, to a maximum federal contribution of $1.575 million. The Sydney River Bridge project has an estimated cost of $12 million. For this project, Canada will set aside up to one-half of total eligible costs, to a maximum federal contribution of $5.4 million. Nova Scotia will provide the remainder of the funding for these two projects.

Federal funding is conditional on the project meeting all of requirements under the Building Canada Fund and the signing of a contribution agreement with the province.

In addition to today's announcement, the Heatherton Bridge and Lower South River Bridge improvement projects, announced Jan. 25, 2009 as priorities for funding under the Provincial/Territorial Base Fund, will now be supported under the Major Infrastructure Component of the Building Canada Fund.

Canada and Nova Scotia are working together to create jobs and boost the economy, while making significant investments that help communities improve infrastructure. Both governments have agreed to work together to ensure that these funds are delivered quickly and efficiently so that construction can begin as soon as possible.