Town of Amherst Receives Infrastructure Funding

Residents in Amherst, Cumberland Co., will take another step towards an improved wastewater system, thanks to funding through the Canada-Nova Scotia Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund.

The project includes the design and construction of a collector that will intercept wastewater from the Derby Street, Lamy Street and Eddy Street outfalls and transport it to the existing LaPlanche River lift station. Discharges will be removed from the freshwater portion of the LaPlanche River. This project will help facilitate a future phase which includes full wastewater treatment.

Federal and provincial funding of $910,172 was announced today, Aug. 9. The Town of Amherst will fund the balance of the $1.4-million project upon formal acceptance of the agreement and environmental assessment approval.

"This project will lead to proper wastewater treatment and provide residents of Amherst the infrastructure needed for future development," said Ernest Fage, Minister of Human Resources and the Public Service Commission, on behalf of Jamie Muir, Minister of Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations. "Working in partnership with the federal government, we are committed to creating healthier communities."

"This project represents the true spirit of collaboration," said member of Parliament Bill Casey, speaking on behalf of Peter MacKay, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Minister of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA). "Working together, all levels of government can respond to the unique needs of our communities, regardless of where they are located."

The new infrastructure program supports community infrastructure improvements, such as water, wastewater, and solid waste management.

"We are pleased to have the support of the federal and provincial governments for this important project," said Jerry Hallee, mayor of the Town of Amherst. "The improvements to our wastewater system confirm our governments' commitment to develop solutions that provide for a healthy and safe environment for the residents of Amherst."

The $111-million, six-year Canada-Nova Scotia Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund is administered by the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency and Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations. Enterprise Cape Breton Corporation and the Union of Nova Scotia Municipalities are members of the management committee.