Infrastructure Program Invests in 'Green' Projects
SERVICE N.S./MUNICIPAL RELATIONS--Infrastructure Program Invests in 'Green' Projects
Twenty-two Nova Scotia projects, worth more than $21.8 million, got the green light today in the first of a series of federal- provincial infrastructure funding announcements planned for this summer.
Project details were announced today in Halifax by Robert Thibault, Minister of State for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), and Angus MacIsaac, Minister of Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations (SNSMR).
"The Government of Canada is working with Nova Scotians to build strong communities and improve our quality of life," said Mr. Thibault. "Through the Canada/Nova Scotia Infrastructure Program, we are investing in 'green' projects that will improve our environment and provide safe, higher-quality water systems."
"The projects funded under this program will have a significant impact on communities across the province and everyone who lives there," said Mr. MacIsaac. "The Province is pleased to work 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."
"Mayors, wardens and councils across the province have been anxiously awaiting today's announcement," said Anna Allen, president of the Union of Nova Scotia Municipalities and mayor of Windsor. "As soon as local councils can approve their share of the costs, the calls for tenders can go out."
Today's approvals, projects nominated by municipalities throughout the province, and many future projects under the Canada/Nova Scotia Infrastructure Program, will focus on "green" initiatives. They will be jointly funded by the federal, provincial and municipal levels of government under an agreement signed last fall by the Government of Canada and the Province of Nova Scotia.
Green infrastructure projects promote safe drinking water and effective waste-water management while protecting the environment and benefiting businesses, families and tourism in the province. All of the projects announced today are green.
Municipalities across the province recommended a variety of projects to the federal and provincial governments earlier this year and outlined their priorities. Green project proposals were then reviewed jointly by federal and provincial officials. Projects in today's announcement have already received environmental assessments and final approval.
Additional announcements are expected this summer as projects undergo environmental assessment and final approval. Approved federal and provincial expenditures total $14,533,930 to date.
The Canada/Nova Scotia Infrastructure Program is a six-year investment in municipal infrastructure worth $195 million. The program is administered by the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency and Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations. The Union of Nova Scotia Municipalities represents the municipalities on the Program's management committee.
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