FORT ERIE, ON, Dec. 10 /CNW/ - The Honourable Rob Nicholson, P.C., Q.C., Member of Parliament for Niagara Falls, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, and Mr. Ken Schoetz, chairman of the board of the Buffalo and Fort Erie Public Bridge Authority, today celebrated the completion of the Peace Bridge Plaza improvements with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the newly constructed laneway.
"The Peace Bridge is the third-busiest Canada-U.S. commercial truck crossing and a key component for international trade with the United States," said Minister Nicholson. "These improvements will enhance the efficiency and security of this important trade corridor, while contributing to Canada's long-term economic prosperity."
"This project is an excellent example of how a partnership can expedite improvements at the border," said Mr. Schoetz. "As an operator that sees border congestion every day, we appreciate the Government of Canada's understanding of the importance of this international crossing."
This project included the construction of a fifth primary inspection lane and booth for Canada-bound commercial vehicles, and a designated Vehicle and Cargo Inspection System (VACIS) area.
Canada's Economic Action Plan contributed $1 million, through the Gateways and Border Crossings Fund, representing 50 per cent of the total eligible costs. The Buffalo and Fort Erie Public Bridge Authority contributed the remaining $1 million.
The Government of Canada is taking important steps to support economic growth. Canada's Economic Action Plan provides for almost $12 billion in new infrastructure stimulus funding over two years. We are also accelerating the $33-billion Building Canada Plan, which will help address needs in communities across Canada and contribute to long-term economic growth through investments in public infrastructure such as roads, water treatment plants, green energy and transit.
A backgrounder with more information on the Peace Bridge Commercial Lane Traffic Improvements project is attached
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Backgrounder Information
The Peace Bridge
The Peace Bridge was completed and officially opened to traffic in June 1927, connecting Fort Erie, Ontario, to Buffalo, New York. Its name came from the commemoration of more than 100 years of peace between the United States and Canada. It is a premier international border crossing providing access to many world-renowned travel destinations in the Golden Horseshoe, the Greater Toronto Area and New York State.
The Buffalo and Fort Erie Public Bridge Authority maintains the Peace Bridge. The Authority's mission is to provide a safe, efficient, environmentally sensitive and cost-effective channel for international travellers, and to positively impact trade and tourism locally, regionally, nationally and internationally.
The $2-million Peace Bridge Commercial Lane Traffic Improvements project constructed a fifth primary inspection lane and booth for Canada-bound commercial vehicles and a designated area for Vehicle and Cargo Inspection System (VACIS) inspections. The federal contribution as part of the Economic Action Plan of $1 million, through the Gateways and Border Crossings Fund, represents 50 per cent of the total eligible costs. Construction at the Peace Bridge was completed in December 2010.
In 2009, the Peace Bridge was the third-busiest Canada-US commercial truck international crossing, with two-way traffic totalling 1,117,312 trucks.
For further information:
| Contacts: | John Babcock Press Secretary Office of the Honourable Chuck Strahl Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities, Ottawa 613-991-0700 Pamela Stephens Office of the Honourable Rob Nicholson 613-992-4621 |
Ron Rienas General Manager Buffalo and Fort Erie Public Bridge Authority 905-871-1608 or 716-884-6744, ext. 226 Media Relations Transport Canada, Ottawa 613-993-0055 |
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