MONCTON, NB – September 3, 2015 – Petitcodiac Riverkeeper welcomes the commitment demonstrated by the Government of New Brunswick in going forward with the Petitcodiac River project.
Recently, New Brunswick Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Roger Melanson called upon national party leaders to commit to helping the provincial government build a bridge to replace the causeway linking the cities of Moncton and Riverview, as part of their platforms. The provincial government is seeking $52.8 million from the federal government for this bridge, half of the total project cost. The bridge will be 240 meters long.
“Minister Melanson’s request is very encouraging. The provincial government seems ready to commit to this project, which will enable our river to regain its natural state, such as it was, several decades ago,” says Petitcodiac Riverkeeper President Paul N. Belliveau. “With collaboration between governments and partners, and a strong belief in this project, will be able to achieve our goal: having a healthy river once again.”
Since the opening of causeway gates in 2010, the Petitcodiac River has gotten healthier. The tidal bore is bigger and stronger, and there are many signs the river’s ecosystem is improving, such as an increase in populations of several species of native fish recently documented in a report by the Petitcodiac Fish Recovery Coalition. Although they are proud to have won this first battle, Riverkeepers have always advocated that the best option for the Petitcodiac River is to replace the causeway with a bridge and never stopped promoting such a project. “We will continue to work hard until our dream comes true,” says Belliveau. “The support of the provincial government, which Mr. Melanson has publicly made known, takes us one step closer to this goal. I applaud this willingness demonstrated by the provincial government, and I echo the challenge Mr. Melanson has issued to the four national political parties during this election period. I want to see their leaders promise to support the Petitcodiac River project.”
Petitcodiac Riverkeeper is a non-profit organization. Its main objective is to restore the ecological health of the Petitcodiac and Memramcook River watersheds, including the Shepody Bay estuary, located in southeastern New Brunswick. The Petitcodiac Riverkeeper is part investigator, scientist, educator, and advocate. The Petitcodiac Riverkeeper acts as a public voice for our waterways, protecting our right to clean water and a healthy watershed.
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Media Contact:
Paul N. Belliveau
President – Petitcodiac RiverkeeperEmail: paul.n.belliveau@hotmail.comPhone: 506-855-2637Cell: 506- 866-2637
