High cost estimates put fabrication yard cleanup on hold

High cost estimates put fabrication yard cleanup on hold

Higher than expected cost estimates have put plans to clean up the fabrication yard in Borden-Carleton on hold.

"It was a promise of the government and we're [going to] stand behind it," said P.E.I.'s Minister of Economic Development and Tourism Heath MacDonald.

The government purchased the fabrication yard eight years ago for $359,000. It is the site where pieces of the Confederation Bridge were constructed in the 1990s.

The government originally thought it would cost between $750,000 and $1M to redevelop the land, including removing the giant concrete pillars that remain on the site.

However, tenders this year have priced the work at more than $3M.

MacDonald said the government expects to hear from Borden-Carleton in the new year regarding the town's plans for economic development.

"I think there's some real opportunities to work with the town of Borden-Carleton and see if we can come up with some solutions to help build prosperity in that area. I think there's still potential there," he said.

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