Cumberland Water System Improved

SERVICE N.S./MUNICIPAL RELATIONS -Municipal Water System Improved

Cumberland County residents are one step closer to an improved municipal water system, thanks to a $71,000 investment by the Nova Scotia government.

The government and the Municipality of the County of Cumberland will cost-share two design projects. One project involves designing a new sewage treatment plant in Pugwash. The second project will look at water quality problems in Upper Nappan and recommend some viable solutions. The provincial government will pay one-half of the estimated $130,000 Pugwash project and one- third of the $20,000 Upper Nappan project through the Provincial Capital Assistance Program (PCAP).

"This is an investment in a cleaner environment and the health of Cumberland County 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 share 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, Nova Scotia signed a six-year, $196-million infrastructure agreement with the federal government. Mr. MacIsaac said municipalities are now recommending priority projects and work should begin in the new year.