Government announced today, Sept. 23, that it has signed contracts worth $5 million to allow work to begin to replace the LaPlanche Aboiteau in Cumberland County.
The provincial government issued a tender for the work in July to replace two structures that protect against flooding from the Bay of Fundy.
Alva Construction of Antigonish was the successful bidder to build the new aboiteau and CBCL Ltd. has been contracted to inspect the work.
“This is an important project for the agricultural industry and the community in Amherst,” said Mr. Colwell. “I am pleased that the work can now begin to ensure valuable farmland, marshes and community infrastructure remains protected.”
The construction phase will involve creating coffer dams, pile driving, concrete construction, earth works and armour rock protection. It will protect about $40 million worth of provincial and municipal infrastructure, including roads and railway lines.
CBCL Ltd., an Atlantic Canadian engineering consultant, completed earlier stages of the project, including design and geotechnical investigation, consultation and site selection.
The aboiteau is operated by the Department of Agriculture, under the Agricultural Marshland Conservation Act. The department helps protect agricultural marshlands by monitoring 241 kilometres of dykes and 260 aboiteaux that protect over 43,000 acres of marshlands in the province.
Source: Release