June 17, 2008 - News

Provincial government announces the details for Northern Initiative fund
The provincial government released guidelines and criteria on Monday for the $100-million Northern New Brunswick Infrastructure Initiative. Roland Haché, minister of environment and minister responsible for the infrastructure initiative, outlined details of the program during a technical briefing at the Knights of Columbus Hall in Beresford. In attendance were numerous stakeholders including mayors, business representatives and members of the economic development communities. "Our government is committed to ensuring all regions of the province, including northern New Brunswick, are self-sufficient," said Mr. Haché, the Liberal Member of the Legislative Assembly for Nigadoo-Chaleur. "This initiative will ensure adequate infrastructure is made available for economic development in the regions of Restigouche, Chaleur, Acadian Peninsula and Miramichi." This initiative will support projects intended to build a stronger economy in northern New Brunswick by upgrading key transportation infrastructure, creating stronger links between producers and their markets and investing in communications technology. It will also support strategic industrial parks and develop infrastructure supporting resources industries, key sectors and new opportunities. The infrastructure initiative is a four-year undertaking expiring in March 2012. The initiative funds strategic investments in three priority areas: transportation, business and strategic infrastructure. Eligible areas for assistance under the initiative include those defined by the Restigouche, Chaleur, Acadian Peninsula and Miramichi Community Economic Development Agencies, including Rogersville.