Stewiacke Begins Second Phase of Water Distribution Upgrade
SERVICE N.S./MUNICIPAL RELATIONS--Stewiacke Begins Second Phase of Water Distribution Upgrade
Residents of Stewiacke will soon see a more reliable water distribution system in their town due to a $846,607 project funded through the Canada-Nova Scotia Infrastructure Program.
Federal-provincial funding of $564,404 was announced today, Oct. 21, by Premier John Hamm and Robert Thibault, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, on behalf of Gerry Byrne, Minister of State for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency. The Town of Stewiacke will fund the $282,203 balance upon formal acceptance of the agreement.
"Our investment in green projects such as the Stewiacke water distribution upgrade demonstrates our government's commitment to building strong, self-sufficient communities," said Premier Hamm. "The town of Stewiacke will soon have a more reliable water distribution system."
Green municipal infrastructure to ensure effective wastewater management and safe drinking water is the first priority under the program. The majority of the federal and provincial funding announced to date has been directed to green projects.
"Improved infrastructure for our communities is a priority for the government of Canada," said Mr. Thibault. "Through the Canada-Nova Scotia Infrastructure Program, we can help address community concerns, like this water project in Stewiacke, which help us achieve those goals."
This is the second phase of Stewiacke's three-phase water distribution upgrade project, which involves replacing aging water mains and upgrading the water system to safe industry standards. The project is expected to offer many benefits upon completion: Stable, secure lines will increase the reliability of drinking water, reduce or eliminate a high occurrence of water- main breaks and leaks and will enable the town to furnish an adequate, long-term supply of water to the local fire department. The project follows the completion of Phase 1, which was also funded under the infrastructure program in 2001-02.
"It's really wonderful to witness the rapid evolution of this water distribution upgrade," said Chris Wright, Mayor of Stewiacke. "The co-operation of all three levels of government in the infrastructure program has made this project a reality for our town."
This is one of a series of approval announcements for projects under Round 2 of the infrastructure program. To date, 75 projects have been announced, representing an investment of more than $116 million. Additional announcements are expected soon 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. Enterprise Cape Breton Corporation is a member of the management committee. The Union of Nova Scotia Municipalities is represented on the program's management committee.