Improvements for Pictou Road Sewer System
SERVICE N.S./MUNICIPAL RELATIONS Improvements for Pictou Road Sewer System
Residents of Bible Hill will soon see improvements in their sewage collection and management, thanks to a sewer-pipe replacement project funded through the Canada/Nova Scotia Infrastructure Program.
Joint funding in the amount of $240,622 was announced today as one of 22 project approvals totalling more than $21.8 million, by Robert G. Thibault, Minister of State for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, and provincial Health Minister Jamie Muir, on behalf of Angus MacIssac, Minister of Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations.
"The Government of Canada is committed to building strong, healthy communities," said Mr. Thibault. "Through the Canada/Nova Scotia Infrastructure Program, we're investing in 'green' projects that address our top priorities -- the water we drink and the air we breathe."
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 Sanitary Sewer Replacement on Pictou Road.
"The provincial government has listened to the priorities of your municipality and we are responding to those needs," said Mr. Muir. "The program's objective is to improve the quality of our water, clean up the environment and assist in meeting future growth."
The $361,000 project will reduce the risk of sewer-pipe leaks and potential contamination of local groundwater and wells servicing homes and businesses along Pictou Road. This project is aimed at benefiting the health of local residents and the environment.
The federal and provincial funding under the Program is subject to the formal acceptance of the Village of Bible Hill, which will fund the balance of the project.
"This upgrade will certainly improve Bible Hill's sewage system and protect our drinking water," said K. Wayne McCormick, chairman of the Village of Bible Hill. "We have no doubt that this project will have a positive impact on our community."
This is the first in a series of approval announcements in for projects nominated by municipalities under the Program. Further 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.