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 wherepieces of the Confederation Bridge were constructed in the 1990s.

• Confederation Bridge fabrication yard may soon see development

The government originally thought it would cost between $750,000 and $1Mto 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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