FREDERICTON, NB–The New Brunswick capital budget saw a drastic drop in funds for new projects in the province.

The $466 million document for 2013-2014 was unveiled in the legislature yesterday.

It included $3.5 million for new projects.  That’s down from $24 million this year.

Finance Minister Blaine Higgs says they have to focus on living within their fiscal means, and they are not in a financial position to be able to fund new projects.

“Living within our fiscal means will be an important consideration in future capital budget plans to ensure that we balance fiscal responsibility with the health, safety and well being of all New Brunswick citizens.”

Liberal MLA for Caraquet Hedard Albert feels the budget isn’t realistic.  One of his main concerns is Highway 11, and the fact it will be left as a one lane highway.

“You have more traffic than any road in New Brunswick and it’s a road very, very strategic for the North of New Brunswick. We have to do something.”

More than $53 million will be spent on maintaining and improving health care infrastructure and that includes a new hospital for Perth-Andover, after flooding caused extensive damage to the structure in March.

Last month, Higgs said this year’s deficit is now expected to grow to $356 million.  That’s up $173 million from the forecast in march.