No. H024/11
For release - March 16, 2011
Photo(s)
BELLEDUNE, NEW BRUNSWICK — The Honourable Keith Ashfield, Minister of National Revenue, Minister of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency and Minister of State for the Atlantic Gateway, on behalf of the Honourable Chuck Strahl, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities, today announced a $1.5-million funding contribution towards the construction of new transportation infrastructure at the Port of Belledune.
“Our government is focused on investing in strategic projects that will grow and develop the Canadian economy in every region of our country,” said Minister Ashfield. “By investing in the Port of Belledune, we are showing a commitment to the future prosperity of the people of Northern New Brunswick.”
“The worldwide demand for low-cost modular fabrication locations adjacent to ice-free, deep-water ports with heavy lift capacity is increasing,” said Harry Williamson, chairperson of the Belledune Port Authority’s board of directors. “The Port of Belledune is now a solution that can assist in all sectors of industry. The Belledune Port Authority continues to be unrelenting in its efforts to create attractive business options in the area, first-rate employment opportunities for the local workforce, and a strong and vibrant regional economy.”
This funding contribution supports the construction of a new facility that will enable the lay-out and production of pre-assembled steel units for use in local, national and international projects. With 20-tonne overhead cranes, welding stations and more, the facility will offer possibilities for fabrication, metal working, assembly and storage. With its new multimodal transhipment capacity, the Port of Belledune will be able to take advantage of shortsea shipping opportunities all along the eastern seaboard.
The federal government is funding the contribution to this project through the Gateways and Border Crossings Fund, which is designed to support transportation and trade-related infrastructure at Canada’s strategic gateways and border crossings. This contribution complements the earlier announcement in January 2011 of a repayable contribution of $3.2 million through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency’s Business Development Program, which will support the cost of the new building and site development.
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