Economic Action Plan Gets Shovels in the Ground Across Nova Scotia

The provincial and federal governments are contributing nearly $100 million for infrastructure projects across the province including 40 construction and rehabilitation projects on Nova Scotia’s major highways and bridges.

The announcement was made today, Sept. 13 by Bill Estabrooks, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal and Peter MacKay, Minister of National Defence.

Eleven projects were also announced today in the Halifax Regional Municipality and 20 projects in the Cape Breton Regional Municipality to receive funding from the Infrastructure Stimulus Fund. This investment stems from a joint $28 million commitment made by the provincial and federal governments in the spring. With today’s announcement, this commitment is being increased to over $30 million.

Also, under the Recreational Infrastructure Canada program and the Community Adjustment Fund, the Government of Canada, through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), is investing more than $7.6 million in 21 key infrastructure projects across the province.

"With this announcement, the Nova Scotia government is fulfilling its commitment to maximize federal infrastructure dollars," said Mr. Estabrooks, "The federal government is an important partner in delivering projects that make a lasting contribution to local communities."

"Government is stimulating the economy and creating jobs," said Mr. MacKay. "Canada’s Economic Action Plan is making a real difference for Nova Scotia. By working with our provincial partners to invest in roads, bridges and other infrastructure projects today, we are building strong, stable communities for the future."

Federal funding for the 71 highways and municipal projects comes from the Infrastructure Stimulus Fund. The Government of Canada is contributing up to $47.8 million towards these 40 highway and bridge projects, with a matching contribution from the province.

Projects will include roundabout and ramp modifications on Route 327 Alexandra Street in Cape Breton Regional Municipality, repaving easterly to Exit 32 on Highway 103, and construction on Meteghan River Bridge, Trunk 1.

Funding for the 31 projects in Halifax Regional Municipality and Cape Breton Regional Municipality comes from the $28 million joint federal-provincial commitment made in the spring, now increased to over $30 million.

Projects include upgrades to Point Pleasant Park in Halifax Regional Municipality and water main upgrades to Victoria Road at Whitney Pier in Cape Breton Regional Municipality. Federal funding for these projects totals $15.1 million with a matching contribution from the province and the municipalities.

The ACOA commitment to invest more than $7.6 million supports nine Recreational Infrastructure Canada projects with a total federal contribution of $1,071,577 and 12 Community Adjustment Fund projects with a federal contribution of $6,548,738. The total value of these projects, including the federal contribution, is more than $14.8 million.

The $4-billion Infrastructure Stimulus Fund is a key component of Canada’s Economic Action Plan. The fund invests in provincial, territorial and municipal construction-ready infrastructure rehabilitation projects being built during this year’s and next year’s construction seasons.

In addition to the projects announced today under the Infrastructure Stimulus Fund, the provincial and federal governments have set aside an additional $4 million each in funding for water and wastewater projects across the province. Specific projects will be identified following discussions with municipalities.

The provincial and federal governments are working together to create jobs and boost the economy, while making significant investments that help communities improve their infrastructure. Both governments have agreed to work together to ensure that these funds are delivered quickly and efficiently to municipalities in Nova Scotia.

The Infrastructure Stimulus Fund complements existing and long-term federal infrastructure funding by focusing on short-term objectives for economic stimulus. To further this goal of rapid economic stimulus, the Infrastructure Stimulus Fund focuses on construction–readiness as important project selection criteria. The full $4 billion is being distributed in fiscal years 2009-2010 and 2010-2011. Projects focus largely on the rehabilitation of existing assets such as water, wastewater, public transit, highways, roads, culture, parks, and trails.

Further information on Canada’s Economic Action Plan is available at www.actionplan.gc.ca .