News Release (September 3, 2003)

For Immediate Release

September 3, 2003

Public comments on the draft Terms of Reference for the Socio-Economic Component of the Petitcodiac River Causeway EIA are being actively encouraged from all interested parties between now and October 5th, according to Study Facilitator Jacques Paynter.

"The document is available at: www.petitcodiac.com where it can be reviewed in detail or downloaded in full. Print copies can also be obtained free of charge by calling (506) 855 3070 or 1 888 638 7700," Mr. Paynter noted.

The draft describes how the Study Team plans to collect the socio-economic data required for a thorough examination of the four different project options proposed for modifying the existing causeway. This specific aspect of the EIA concerns issues such as land use, property values, infrastructure, employment, recreation, tourism, direct and indirect economic impacts, transportation, navigation, archaeology, heritage resources and full cost accounting.

"The importance which residents throughout the study area place on these subject areas is significant, and has been a continuing focus of the EIA public consultations since the process began last January," said Mr. Paynter.

"The May 31st public workshop held in Riverview on the Socio-Economic Component was particularly helpful in capturing the very broad range of community input involved. We have also received a great deal of useful input to date through informal discussions, e-mails, personal interviews and group meetings, as well as the telephone hot line."

"Bringing all the relevant information together in these draft Socio-Economic Terms of Reference represents a crucial step in building a comprehensive workplan for this component of the study over the next year. We want to ensure everyone interested in the Petitcodiac River Causeway EIA now has an opportunity to review this draft, and provide any comments they may have in response, before the final version is adopted, " he said.

All public input on the draft Socio-Economic Terms of Reference should be provided to the Study Facilitator no later than October 5thth at the numbers and address listed below:

For further information contact:

Jacques Paynter - AMEC Earth & Environmental Ltd.
Fax: (506) 857-9974
E-Mail: jacques.paynter@amec.com
Mail: 1133 St. George Blvd., Moncton, NB E1E 4E1

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