ST. STEPHEN, N.B. (Aug. 16, 2005) — The news is getting sweeter in Canada’s “Chocolate Town” for long-time proponents of a new border crossing between St. Stephen, N.B. and Calais, Me.

According to the New Brunswick Telegraph Journal, the US is dedicating $7 million to a new border crossing at Calais-St. Stephen, and $25 million for Maine highway projects as part of East-West corridor between Calais and New York State. The money will come from the $300-billlion transportation bill signed by President George Bush last week.

Congress passed the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act, increasing road and safety funding by 30 percent over the current program.

The US bill also recognizes that east-west highway as a high priority trade corridor, which means the four states it passes through will be more likely to receive federal funding for construction projects along the route.

Construction is to begin this coming spring, and is expected to take about three years to complete, reports the Telegraph Journal.

Canadian funding is for the most part in place. The work on the New Brunswick side will also include twinning of Hwy. 1 through Waweig and extending St. Stephen’s Church Street leading to the bridge.

That’s welcome news for residents and businesses at this N.B.-border town, which is known for its famous chocolate festival and the unique relationship it shares with the neighbouring US town on the other side of the St. Croix River.

Locals have been pushing for a new border or expanded crossing for over two decades. Congestion and delays have led trucking companies and even tourists to bypass the St. Stephen crossing recently, preferring to go to the Woodstock-Houlton crossing because it’s more efficient crossing on a four-lane highway.

Many say the border plan would be yet another strong boost to the province’s — and specifically Saint John’s — growing economy. Ports in Halifax and Saint John should see increased business thanks to the improved surface link.

Moosehead Ltd. is thrilled with the news the border crossing will be expanded, company spokesperson Joel Levesque told the newspaper. Forty percent of the company’s suds are shipped to the US, most of it by truck.

— from the New Brunswick Telegraph Journal