FREDERICTON (GNB) – The provincial government will invest $815.3 million in public infrastructure in 2018-19 including a record $12.6 million in tourism infrastructure.
“Your government’s capital budget is a plan that works for New Brunswickers,” said Finance Minister Cathy Rogers. “Today’s multi-year capital plan will continue through 2020 and will make our roads safer, improve our schools and hospitals, and contribute to sustained economic growth.”
New investments total $28.1 million while $787.2 million is earmarked for maintenance and the continuation of previously announced projects.
“Your government has updated its multi-year plans annually and made adjustments where required to recognize today’s priorities, tomorrow’s needs and to leverage other funding sources, including our federal partners,” said Rogers. “We have also been consistent in our approach and strategic in our decision-making. Some would argue that we cannot afford these investments. Your government believes that we cannot afford the consequences of skipping these critical investments.”
The government will invest in a multi-year approach to upgrading tourism infrastructure. It will invest $12.6 million on parks, trails, historic sites, and other tourism infrastructure. This represents a 19.1 per cent increase over the level of investment last year.
Tourism infrastructure investments include:
- an investment at the New Brunswick Aquarium and Marine Centre;
- funding for Ministers Island;
- Scenic Drive Infrastructure investments; and
- Provincial Park Revitalization.
To give students a better chance to learn and be at their best, $105.8 million is being invested in schools. The following projects are currently under construction or are undergoing mid-life upgrades:
- Oromocto High School
- Saint John High School
- Cité des Jeunes A.-M.-Sormany
- Bath Community School renovation
- École Marie-Gaétane
- Centre scolaire communautaire La fontaine
- École Arc-en-ciel
- new Campbellton K-8 school
Additionally, the government will undertake mid-life reviews at 15 more schools around the province and make investments in community college infrastructure.
Rogers said the government will invest $99.9 million to ensure patients get the care they need as the government continues to plan strategically around hospitals and health-care infrastructure to provide a level of health care to New Brunswickers that is effective, efficient, and supportive to positive health-care outcomes. This includes continuing the work on additions and renovations at the following hospitals:
- Dr. Georges-L.-Dumont University Hospital Centre,
- Saint John Regional Hospital,
- Chaleur Regional Hospital, and the
- Dr. Everett Chalmers Regional Hospital.
The government will invest $458.1 million in roads, bridges, buildings, and other infrastructure to create jobs and to help make New Brunswick safe. This continues ongoing construction on sections of Route 11 and the Fundy Trail Parkway Connector.
Building upon the $46.1 million the government has already invested in energy retrofits and renewable energy upgrades, a further $20.3 million will be invested in 2018-19.
“While today’s capital budget estimates outline the investments in schools, hospitals, and roads, it is actually about investing in the economic and social well-being of New Brunswickers,” said Rogers. “They will always be our greatest assets and today’s capital plan is about investing in their future.”
Additional details will be provided when departments present to main estimates.
The capital budget is available online.