Environment and Local Government

Process determined for environmental impact assessment of Petitcodiac River Causeway (01/11/30)

NB 1192

Nov. 30, 2001

FREDERICTON (CNB) - The provincial and federal governments will move forward with an environmental impact assessment on options to restore the Petitcodiac River. The announcement was made today by Environment and Local Government Minister Kim Jardine and Fisheries and Oceans Canada Minister Herb Dhaliwal.

"This issue is a top priority for the provincial government," Jardine said. "I am very pleased the environmental impact assessment is moving ahead. I encourage the public to offer their opinions and advice to help assist in making an informed decision on the Petitcodiac River Causeway."

"I am very pleased that the Province of New Brunswick has decided to accept the federal offer of support for the EIA process," Dhaliwal said. "The federal government is committed to resolving the Petitcodiac River fish passage issue. I believe that significant progress toward achieving this goal can now be made. The project will include the various options recommended in the Niles Report of February 2001."

Senior staff from the New Brunswick Departments of the Environment and Local Government and Transportation and Local Government and Environment Canada and Fisheries and Oceans Canada have concluded discussions on a federal-provincial initiative to undertake the environmental assessment.

The province of New Brunswick will be the proponent of the project and a harmonized federal- provincial assessment process will be initiated. A cost-sharing formula of two-third federal and one-third provincial contributions towards an initial cost estimate of $2.9 million. In addition, a preliminary schedule of activities for undertaking the environmental impact assessment has been confirmed and there will be a significant process for public input throughout.

This understanding will be formally outlined over the next several days. The consultations on the process will begin early in the new year.

01/11/30

MEDIA CONTACTS: Jason Humphrey, director of communications, Environment and Local Government, 506-453-3700; Vicky Deschênes, communications officer, 506-444-4077.

01/11/30