Provincial, Federal Governments Announce $50 Million in Infrastructure Funding

Nova Scotians will have better highways, improved water supply and more broadband accessibility after the federal and provincial governments both announced $25 million in infrastructure funding today, Dec. 17.

The federal contribution, from the Base Funding Component of the Building Canada Plan, and the province's investment will go toward much needed infrastructure projects throughout the province.

Projects include a new interchange on Highway 102 at Larry Uteck Boulevard, improvements to Highway 103, a new interchange on Highway 101 in Middle Sackville, upgrading of Trunk 4 between East Bay and Big Pond, and expanding the Mount Hope interchange at Highway 111. Funding will also be used to complete upgrades to the Cheticamp water utility and broadband connectivity for rural Nova Scotia.

"We continue to work hard to address the infrastructure needs of people across Nova Scotia," said Len Goucher, Minister of Immigration, on behalf of Murray Scott, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal. "We are pleased to work with the government of Canada on this initiative. Building Canada will give long-term and predictable funding for infrastructure projects."

"The government of Canada understands the importance of infrastructure to help stimulate the economy and create jobs," said Peter MacKay, Minister of National Defence, on behalf of Canada's Transport and Infrastructure Minister John Baird. "Our funding commitment demonstrates that we are taking real action with the province to accelerate infrastructure funding and help project managers get shovels in the ground."

As part of the Provincial Territorial Base Funding Agreement, the province will receive $25 million annually from the government of Canada, for a total of $175 million through to 2014. The funding is for core infrastructure priorities identified in the province's annual capital plan. The announcement is second allocation under the program.

Halifax Regional Municipality is also contributing about $6 million to projects in the annual capital plan, including the new Highway 101 and 102 interchanges. Mr. Goucher and Mr. MacKay were joined by Mayor Peter Kelly to announce the initiative.

"We are pleased that our federal and provincial partners have made this important investment in our community," said Mr. Kelly. "The Larry Uteck interchange is an important part of HRM's regional plan, which will trigger private infrastructure investment as well. These infrastructure improvements will benefit many residents of our region and support our continued economic growth."

The new interchange will extend Larry Uteck Boulevard to create a link between the two highways, to ease traffic congestion on the Bedford Highway and to accommodate development.

Through its unprecedented $33-billion Building Canada infrastructure plan, the government of Canada will provide long-term, stable and predictable funding to help meet infrastructure needs across Canada.

For more information on the Building Canada plan, visit www.buildingcanada.gc.ca.