The Honourable Gail Shea, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, and the Honourable Robert Ghiz, Premier of Prince Edward Island today announced new investments of $19.69 million in projects that will increase the efficiency of the transportation system, contributing to long-term economic prosperity in the province. The federal and provincial governments will contribute up to $10.54 million and $9.15 million respectively.
"Because Prince Edward Island is an island province, transportation links are especially important for the continued growth of its economy. This investment by the Harper Government will benefit both the business community and the people on the Island, whether they travel by air, land, or across the sea," said Minister Shea.
"When combined with an equal contribution from our own Provincial Capital Budget, this investment will lead to important improvements in Prince Edward Island's transportation infrastructure and it will allow our primary producers to get their products to markets all over the world more efficiently," said Premier Ghiz.
New investments include improvements to the Trans-Canada Highway (Route 1) to realign traffic flow and improve safety along this main trade route for PEI. Funding will also make it possible to expand the Charlottetown Airport terminal to facilitate increased traffic and to install enhanced technologies at the Confederation Bridge to improve both monitoring of hazardous conditions and traffic management.
Federal support for these projects is conditional on meeting all applicable federal eligibility and approval requirements.
BACKGROUNDER
New Strategic Infrastructure Announcements Prince Edward Island
- Charlottetown Airport Terminal Expansion
Description: This project involves expanding Charlottetown Airport's existing terminal. This will enable Charlottetown to capitalize on economic growth opportunities and will facilitate increasing traffic through the airport.
Total Investment: $3.5 million. Canada's component is up to $1.2 million, with the remainder to be provided equally by the airport authority and the province.
- Confederation Bridge: Intelligent Transportation Systems (between PEI and NB
Description: This project involves installing intelligent transportation systems, including sensors to monitor bridge conditions and provide warnings, a video incident detection system, dynamic lighting and signage, and toll plaza transponder/electronic lane improvements. These projects will increase the efficiency, safety and reliability for the users of this critical transportation corridor.
Total Investment: $2.68 million. Canada's component is up to $1.34 million, with another $1.34 million from the bridge operator.
- Route 1 Improvements
Description: Proposed realignment for locations along the Trans-Canada Highway to improve safety and efficiency and improve access control.
Total Investment: $16 million. Canada's component is up to $8 million, with the remainder to be provided by the province.