The Department of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal is calling on the federal government to establish a new infrastructure funding agreement that fully recognizes the need for strategic investments in Prince Edward Island projects for the benefit of all residents, says Minister Robert Vessey.
“It’s crucial that Prince Edward Island’s unique infrastructure needs are met with the firm support of the federal government through significant investments that reflect the strategic priorities of the province and of all Islanders,” said the minister. “These priorities include a new transmission cable to secure the province’s future energy needs, safe and efficient roads, and safe water and wastewater systems.”
Senior department officials will meet with Infrastructure Canada representatives next week to present Prince Edward Island’s infrastructure priorities. These meetings are a follow up to the roundtable discussions between Minister Vessey and federal Infrastructure Minister Denis Lebel on a new infrastructure deal earlier this year.
In addition to a new transmission cable, the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal has outlined several priority areas for infrastructure investments in the province:
Roads and highways and links to the mainland: The safety and efficiency of the National Highway System, as well as the local road and bridge network, remain the priority of the province. Continued investments are necessary to maintain the safety of drivers and the efficient flow of goods. Although the Confederation Bridge provides the most heavily travelled link, air travel and the ferry play an important role. The maintenance of these links, especially secure long-term funding for Northumberland Ferries, is crucial for the health of the provincial economy.
Water, wastewater: Providing Islanders with safe and quality drinking water is a vital service. As 100 per cent of the province’s drinking water comes from the ground, key investments are needed to ensure residents have quality drinking water for years to come. In addition, proper wastewater management is necessary in ensuring the health of fisheries in coastal areas.
Additional investments: Disaster mitigation, green energy, public transit, and health and education infrastructure are all projects that will require significant infrastructure funding to meet the future needs of the province.
“Previous funding agreements have allowed the provincial and federal governments to partner on a number of infrastructure projects that have improved the lives of Islanders in all regions of the province,” said Vessey. “Any future funding agreements must continue to be distributed fairly and reflect the priorities of Islanders.”