Flood-Damaged Perth-Andover Hospital Gets Nearly 8-Million Dollar Investment

The New Brunswick government announced Thursday it will invest $7.65 million to restore, preserve and protect infrastructure at the flood-damaged Hotel-Dieu of St. Joseph Hospital in Perth-Andover. 

Premier Brian Gallant says the investment will allow for the demolition of the flood-prone section of the hospital that's been condemned since the Saint John Valley floods of 2012. It will also provide for the construction and equipping of an essential services building on higher ground.

Gallant says the new essential services building will minimize the risk that utilities will flood, will speed up evacuation procedures, and will drastically reduce the possibility of loss of life. The funding will also be used to upgrade systems that were exposed to water, dampness and humidity. New mechanical piping will be installed, with more energy- efficient utility equipment over shorter distances.

Gallant says once the project is completed, the provincial government will seek cost recovery through Disaster Financial Assistance Arrangements with Public Safety Canada.

Tobique-Mactaquac MP T.J. Harvey says that, after the 2012 spring flood in Perth-Andover, an interim payment of $5 million was made to the province for overall repairs.