New Minas Water and Hydrants to be Improved

SERVICE N.S./MUNICIPAL RELATIONS -Water and Hydrants to be Improved

Residents of New Minas will soon have better water and fire protection thanks to a $31,720 investment by the government of Nova Scotia.

The government and the village recently agreed to cost-share the replacement of fire hydrant nozzles and connection to a new well that will accommodate growing demands on the water supply. The government will pay one-third of the estimated $95,250 projects through its Provincial Capital Assistance Program (PCAP).

"This is an investment in a cleaner environment and the health of New Minas residents," said Angus MacIsaac, Minister of Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations. "We promised to work with municipal governments to fund essential infrastructure projects and we're honouring our commitment."

Mr. MacIsaac announced today that 13 communities will receive PCAP funding worth a total of $517,335. The money will pay for sewage or water treatment facility design and improvements, groundwater exploration, fire hydrant upgrades and a new well connection. Work on all of the projects is slated to begin soon. The amount of work and completion date varies from project to project.

"We're investing in Nova Scotia's municipalities and creating opportunities across the province," said Mr. MacIsaac. "These investments will create construction and spin-off employment and will offer long-term health and safety benefits to these communities.

"Infrastructure improvements make communities more attractive to investors and can affect where businesses locate and create jobs."

More infrastructure investments are forthcoming. In early October, the Nova Scotia government signed a six-year, $196- million infrastructure agreement with the federal government. Mr. MacIsaac said municipalities were now recommending priority projects and that work should begin in the new year.