Replacement of CBSA Facilities at the Sault Ste. Marie International Bridge

(Canada NewsWire)

The Federal Bridge Corporation Limited (FBCL), a Crown corporation, and the St. Mary's River Bridge Company (SMRBC), the Canadian owner of the Sault Ste. Marie International Bridge and a wholly-owned subsidiary of FBCL, wish to inform the public that the detailed design for the replacement of Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) facilities at the Sault Ste. Marie International Bridge will begin in December 2009.

The existing CBSA facilities at the Sault Ste. Marie International Bridge need to be replaced as the buildings are overcrowded, functionally obsolete and operationally deficient.

An environmental assessment was initiated by FBCL in July 2007 and signed off in June 2009.
Funding of approximately $44.1M has been allocated by the federal government in early fall through the Gateways and Border Crossings Fund. The project's design and construction activities will be spread over approximately five years.

For Mr. James McIntyre, Chairman of SMRBC, “The replacement of the CBSA facilities is made possible through a $44M contribution agreement between SMRBC and the Government of Canada to cover the costs. While some purchases of lands have been completed, the remaining land acquisitions necessary are underway and are expected to continue in 2010-2011”.