Developer says $1 billion corridor running east-west across Maine offers great opportunities for N.B.

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A proposed $1-billion east-west transportation corridor running through Maine could provide opportunity and economic growth for New Brunswick as the province moves towards its goal of selfsufficiency, according to the head of the private company spearheading the operation.

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Peter Vigue, president and CEO of Cianbro Corporation explains the concept of the Maine East-West Corridor to business people in Moncton.

Peter Vigue is the chairman and chief executive officer of Cianbro Corporation, the construction firm based out of Maine which is exploring the feasibility of a 260-kilometre highway and utility corridor that would run across the state, south of Sherbrooke, Quebec and would link the Atlantic Canada Gateway project to the Ontario- Quebec Continental Gateway.

He stressed that the proposed project will be a partnership between the entire northeast region and significant benefits will be seen not only in Maine, but in the Atlantic provinces as well.

“Absolutely,” Vigue said, when asked whether the project’s development would help bring jobs and economic benefits into New Brunswick. “It has substantial opportunities because I believe there are a lot of people that are in a similar position in the Maritimes that we are in the state of Maine. We have a huge out migration of people that seek nothing more than an opportunity – not a hand out – but an opportunity. Which means a job and benefits and the opportunity to provide for themselves and live where they want to live.”

Vigue also highlights the fact that the project, particularly the transmission of electricity and natural gas, would be an asset to New Brunswick’s energy hub strategy, which aims to increase energy exports from the province to the lucrative New England market.

In addition, the entire initiative will be funded by private companies and therefore no public money will be required in the project, which Vigue said could end up costing investors “in excess of $1-billion.”

Although the potential project boasts its role as a utility and communications corridor, the greatest benefits in the province may be felt by the alternative transportation route.

“When we look at the Moncton area, it’s a transportation hub for trucking in the Maritimes and the Atlantic Provinces,” Vigue said.

“So we’re looking at how do we in the state of Maine become a part of that? But more than that, how do we offer something to (overcome) the challenge that New Brunswick has in terms of improving efficiency and reducing transportation costs going forward and not only help ourselves but help the folks in New Brunswick to posture and position themselves to become attractive and reduce costs for the entire region.”

Peter Nelson, executive director of the Atlantic Provinces Trucking Association based in Dieppe, said Cianbro has been very open to discuss the project with those it would impact and discussions have been positive.

“We’re all about moving freight in and out of Atlantic Canada and if we can do that more efficiently, cheaper and faster in terms of time than we can’t ignore this project,” Nelson said, noting the proposed new corridor could save drivers as much as five hours as they travel between Atlantic Canada and central Canada.

“Our industry likes innovation and our industry likes things that save time and save money because at the end of the day you’re making time and you’re making money and it’s all good for Atlantic Canada.”

Vigue said Cianbro’s initial feasibility studies will be completed by May 1, at which point they will begin preliminary design, engineering and a financial feasibility study.

Construction on the highway could begin as soon as 2012 and could be completed by 2014.

“I think the project will only improve (New Brunswick’s goal of self-sufficiency). I think people and particularly private business and individuals working in collaboration with the government have an effect on improving economies and their quality of life,” Vigue said. “Again, we all like to be independent and we don’t like to rely on our federal governments to support our every need. I think it’s a great opportunity and we’re very, very optimistic about the future.”

Français : Peter Vigue, président et directeur général de la Corporation Cianbro, a déclaré que le corridor de transport Est- Ouest au Maine offre une très grande occasion économique au Nouveau-Brunswick.