News release

Infrastructure Improvements for Pictou County

Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations (Oct. 2000 - March 2014)

SERVICE N.S./MUNICIPAL RELATIONS--Infrastructure Improvements for Pictou County


Pictou County residents will soon see improvements to sewage treatment and the health of the East River with installation of a new project funded through the Canada/Nova Scotia Infrastructure Program.

Joint funding, in the amount of $30,849, was announced today as one of 22 project approvals totalling more than $21.8 million, by Premier John Hamm and Robert G. Thibault, Minister of State for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency.

"The Nova Scotia government has made a promise to work with municipalities to make our province safer, healthier and more prosperous," said the premier. "The Canada/Nova Scotia Infrastructure Program is helping us to meet that commitment and respond to municipalities."

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 the Pictou County Polymer Make-Down System.

"The Government of Canada is committed to projects that improve quality of life for Nova Scotians," said Mr. Thibault. "Through the Canada/Nova Scotia Infrastructure Program, we are investing in green projects that contribute to creating strong, healthy communities with quality drinking water and a clean environment."

The $46,274 project will involve the installation of a new automated dry polymer preparation system. Polymers are added to wastewater sludge to assist in dewatering. This project will aid Pictou County's East River Pollution Abatement System by adding efficiency to sewage treatment and reducing operational costs. The federal and provincial funding under the program is subject to the formal acceptance of the Pictou County District Planning Commission, which will fund the balance of the project.

"We're confident that today's announcement is a positive step to make our community safer and healthier," said Pictou County Warden Allister MacDonald. "Ottawa and Halifax are responding to our local needs."

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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