OTTAWA – December 11, 2008 – Canada's Environment Minister Jim Prentice announced today that the proposed Highway 35 Extension project is not likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects. The Minister has referred the project back to the responsible authorities, Transport Canada, Fisheries and Oceans Canada and Infrastructure Canada, for appropriate action.
The Minister based his decision on the comprehensive study report, including the conclusions and recommendations submitted by the responsible authorities, the results of a public comment period and the responsible authorities' responses to these comments, and the implementation of the proposed mitigation measures and a follow-up program.
"After taking into consideration the comprehensive study report and the implementation of appropriate mitigation measures, I am confident that this project is not likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects," declared Minister Prentice.
The Ministry of Transportation of Quebec proposes the extension of Highway 35. The highway would be extended between Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu and Philipsburg, Quebec at the Vermont border, to complete the highway system in the trade corridor between Montreal and Boston and to improve safety.
A copy of the Minister's environmental assessment decision statement is available on the Canadian Environmental Assessment Registry, reference number 05-03-12245.
The Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency administers the federal environmental assessment process, which identifies the environmental effects of proposed projects and measures to address those effects, in support of sustainable development.
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Media may contact:
Lucille Jamault
Senior Communications Advisor
Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency
Tel.: 613-957-0434
