Richmond Communities to Receive Infrastructure Funding
SERVICE N.S./MUNICIPAL RELATIONS--Richmond Communities to Receive Infrastructure Funding
The communities of Louisdale and Evanston will soon have better water storage capabilities because of an $866,333 project funded through the Canada-Nova Scotia Infrastructure Program.
Joint federal-provincial funding of $577,554 was announced today, Nov. 15, by MP Rodger Cuzner, on behalf of Gerry Byrne, Minister of State for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, and by MLA Frank Chipman, on behalf of Angus MacIsaac, Minister of Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations. The Municipality of the County of Richmond will fund the $288,779 balance upon formal acceptance of the agreement.
"Building strong communities and improving quality of life is a priority for the government of Canada," said Mr. Cuzner. "The Canada-Nova Scotia Infrastructure Program is one of the ways we are investing in green projects, like the Richmond County project, that are designed to improve our environment and provide safe, high-quality water systems."
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.
"The provincial government is honouring its commitment to provide communities such as Louisdale and Evanston with safe, healthy water supplies, making these areas an even more attractive place to live," said Mr. Chipman. "Today's announcement will have an immediate, positive impact on the communities of Louisdale and Evanston."
The Louisdale/Evanston Water Storage Rehabilitation project involves the repair and upgrade of storage tanks that play an integral part in the water systems of the communities. Both tanks are essential for fire protection, flow balance storage and emergency water storage. By repairing one, and replacing the other, the upgrades will ensure vital water storage capacity for the two communities for the next 25 years.
"The importance of a good water system cannot be understated," said Gail Johnson, Warden of Richmond County. "It's just great to see the co-operation between three levels of government that has brought this important project to fruition."
This is one of a series of approval announcements for projects under the infrastructure program. To date, 83 projects have been announced, representing an investment of more than $123 million. 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. 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.