Strait Municipalities Receive Planning Grant

SERVICE N.S./MUNICIPAL RELATIONS--Strait Municipalities Receive Planning Grant

The Nova Scotia government is supporting efforts by Strait area municipalities to work together on regional economic development initiatives.

Angus MacIsaac, Minister of Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations, said today his department is contributing $25,000 to help the municipalities plan for development related to natural gas.

The provincial contribution will be matched by an equal amount from the municipalities of Guysborough, Antigonish, Inverness and Richmond, the District of St. Mary's and the towns of Port Hawkesbury, Antigonish and Mulgrave.

The grant follows an agreement between the eight municipalities to examine how they can best co-operate on regional economic development opportunities presented by the gas industry.

"The Strait region is well-positioned to benefit from this growing industry," Mr. MacIsaac said. "The local municipalities have shown leadership by agreeing to work together to fulfill their economic potential. The province is pleased to support them financially as they plan for future growth."