The New Brunswick Department of Transportation and Infrastructure announced that its ordinary budget is increasing by more than $29 million this year, which reflects strategic investments in the province’s transportation network and infrastructure.
The department’s total ordinary budget is more than $378.9 million, which represents an increase of eight per cent from last year’s budget. This is in addition to the department’s capital budget of $562.8 million, which is an increase of $73.5 million over last year’s multi-year capital plan.
“This budget demonstrates our government’s commitment to making the necessary investments across the province in a strategic and responsible way,” said Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Jeff Carr. “We always have an eye on the future, so the additional funds will help as we renew our infrastructure to ensure the continued safety of New Brunswickers.”
The department will invest:
- $33.4 million in the summer highway maintenance program, which includes pothole repairs, ditching and shoulder repairs;
- $78.3 million in the winter maintenance program, which includes snow removal and ice control for provincial roads and highways;
- $84.5 million in the bridge program, which represents an increase of about $23.6 million from last year;
- $94.2 million in the Federal-Provincial Cost-Shared Program, which represents an increase of about $12.4 million from last year;
- $34.8 million in ferries, which represents an increase of about $8.6 million;
- $66.2 million in governmental building operations and maintenance; and
- $9.8 million in the radio communications branch.
“We continue to be prudent with taxpayers’ money,” said Carr. “The department continues to make the necessary investments to maintain and improve our existing infrastructure.”
Featured image: (Government of New Brunswick)
