Government has sold its mobile asphalt plant. The sale was finalized today, May 5.

The plant was sold to Westside Asphalt and Concrete Inc. of Newfoundland for $2.4 million. When combined with the $1.6 million revenue from the earlier sale of the chip seal and paving equipment, the total amount paid to the province is $4 million.

The current market value of the used plant and equipment is about $4 million.

“As promised to Nova Scotians, we have taken government out of the paving business and returned the work to the private sector,” said Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal Minister Geoff MacLellan.

The mobile asphalt plant, the chip seal equipment and asphalt paving equipment were originally purchased in 2011 for $6.1 million. Government has kept some trucks and related equipment that were originally part of its paving and chip seal operations.

“We’re very pleased the government honoured its commitment and we look forward to a productive road construction season,” said Grant Feltmate, executive director, Nova Scotia Road Builders Association.

“We’ll now focus on strengthening the road building environment with earlier tendering to ensure that we get the best return on our investments for Nova Scotians,” said Mr. MacLellan.

Source: Release