For the second time in a month, a Request for Proposals (RFP) has been issued for a major Atlantica project.

Enterprise Saint John issued the RFP for a Bangor – Saint John International Trade and Growth Corridor Asset Mapping Project. The Saint John – Bangor relationship is the critical foundation for the concept of the broader Atlantica international northeast economic region. It is anticipated close to $500 million will be spent over the next five to seven years on improvements to highway, bridge, border crossing, natural gas pipeline, rail, intermodal, and power transmission infrastructure between Saint John and Bangor.

This asset mapping project will complete and complement the previously completed Halifax to Moncton asset map.

For some time, AIMS has promoted discussion about the geographical concept dubbed “Atlantica”. The region is broadly composed of the Atlantic provinces, eastern Quebec, the northern tier of New England states, and upstate New York. These territories share a number of common characteristics – similar demographics, diversity, and migration; a shared history; and interrelated transport issues. Perhaps most important, the residents of Atlantica have generally suffered from relative economic underdevelopment and growth compared to their respective national economies.

Just two weeks ago an RFP was issued by the Maine Department of Transportation for a major Atlantica infrastructure study that encompasses both sides of the US – Canada border. That study will examine transportation and economic conditions across the region of central Maine and the northern tier of New Hampshire, Vermont and New York State, as well as the adjacent Canadian provinces of Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, Quebec and eastern Ontario.

The RFP for the Bangor – Saint John International Trade and Growth Corridor closes on December 22nd, 2005, with a decision expected early in the New Year. Click here to read the RFP.

The RFP for the Northeast CanAm Connections: Integrating the Economy and Transportation Study closes on December 16th, 2005. Click here to read more about this RFP.