The period for public submissions on three proposed re-alignment projects on the Trans-Canada Highway will end on Wednesday of this week, says Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal Robert Vessey.
“Since this process began over a month ago, the province has received hundreds of letters, emails and comment cards from Islanders,” said Minister Vessey. “I am very impressed with the amount of feedback and input provided to the province by residents and businesses alike and I assure Islanders that all of it will be considered as government decides how it will proceed under the Atlantic Gateway Initiative.”
The province has proposed re-alignment projects along the Trans-Canada Highway in Churchill, Crapaud and Tryon. A total of $16 million is available under the Atlantic Gateway Initiative for the proposed work; $8 million from the province and $8 million from the federal government. The proposals are meant to improve safety and efficiency along the province’s main trade corridor.
“Staff in my department are in the process of analysing the feedback we’ve received thus far, and that analysis will be compiled into a report,” said Minister Vessey. “That report will be presented to my cabinet colleagues and soon after we will come to a decision on which project will move ahead under this funding agreement.”
The proposed projects presented to the public at information sessions in October were very preliminary in nature. Once a project is selected by the province, a new process of public consultation will begin that will provide information on the chosen alignment for the selected project and will look at the environmental assessment. That process will likely get underway early in the new year.
For information on how to make a submission, visit www.gov.pe.ca/gateway.