Water Improvements Approved Under Infrastructure Program, Annapolis County

SERVICE N.S./MUNICIPAL RELATIONS--Water Improvements Approved Under Infrastructure Program, Annapolis County

Residents in the Municipality of the County of Annapolis will see improvements in the quality of their water and wastewater systems with the installation of a remote monitoring system funded through the Canada/Nova Scotia Infrastructure Program.

Joint funding, in the amount of $200,000, 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 Frank Chipman, MLA for Annapolis, on behalf of Angus MacIsaac, Minister of Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations.

"The province is pleased to have worked in cooperation with the federal and municipal governments in meeting Nova Scotians' community goals -- safe drinking water, a healthy environment and an opportunity to prosper here at home," said Mr. Chipman.

Green municipal infrastructure that ensures effective wastewater 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 Annapolis County's Sewer and Water Remote System Monitoring.

"The Government of Canada is committed to building strong communities and improving our quality of life," said Mr. Thibault. "Through the Canada/Nova Scotia Infrastructure Program, we're investing in green projects that address our highest priorities -- the water we drink and the air we breathe."

The $320,000 project will provide more consistent and reliable water and sewage services to local residents. Currently, there are three water utilities and eight sewage systems throughout the county. They are separated by as much as 100 km. This project will provide a method for collecting data from each system at a central monitoring base. The new monitoring system will improve response times and enhance the operations of both the water and sewage systems. The federal and provincial funding under the program is subject to the formal acceptance of the Municipality of the County of Annapolis, which will fund the balance of the project.

"This facility will greatly benefit the residents of Annapolis County and will have a positive impact on the environment," said Warden Peter G. Terauds.

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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