Meteghan Water Improvements Approved

SERVICE N.S./MUNICIPAL RELATIONS Meteghan Water Improvements Approved

Residents in Meteghan will soon see improvements in their waste- water systems with a sewage treatment upgrade funded through the Canada/Nova Scotia Infrastructure Program.

The joint funding of $170,286 is one of 22 project approvals totalling more than $21.8 million announced today. The approvals were announced by Robert G. Thibault, Minister of State for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, and Angus MacIssac, Minister of Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations.

"The Government of Canada is making infrastructure a top priority in our communities," said Mr. Thibault. "Through the Canada/Nova Scotia Infrastructure Program, we are investing in 'green' projects that will improve our quality of life through safe drinking water and a cleaner environment."

Green municipal infrastructure to ensure effective waste-water management and safe drinking water is the first priority under the program. The majority of the federal and provincial funding announced in Year One will be directed to green projects like the Meteghan Wastewater Treatment Facility Upgrade.

"The province is pleased to have worked in co-operation with the Government of Canada and municipal governments in meeting Nova Scotians' community goals -- safe drinking water and a healthy environment," said Mr. MacIsaac.

The $255,430 upgrade will ensure higher-quality waste treatment and will help protect the local groundwater.

The federal and provincial funding under the Program is subject to the formal acceptance of the Municipality of the District of Clare, which will fund the balance of the project.

"We know how important safe water and a clean environment is to people," said Jean Melanson, wWarden of the District of Clare. "This project will help Meteghan residents enjoy their community even more."

This is the first in a series of approval announcements for projects nominated by municipalities under the program. Additional announcements are expected as projects undergo environmental assessment and final approval.

The $195-million, six-year Canada/Nova Scotia Infrastructure Program is administered by the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency and Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations. The Union of Nova Scotia Municipalities is represented on the Program's management committee.

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