Canada and Prince Edward Island Reach Agreement Under New Federal Infrastructure Funding Programs

SUMMERSIDE, PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND--(Marketwired - Aug. 3, 2016) - Infrastructure Canada

Investing in local infrastructure helps ensure that Canadians have safe water and wastewater systems they can rely on, and efficient and modern public transit systems so they can get to work on time and back home safely at the end of a long day.

Today, the Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, on behalf of the Honourable Amarjeet Sohi, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities, the Honourable H. Wade MacLauchlan, Premier of Prince Edward Island and the Honourable Paula Biggar, Prince Edward Island Minister of Transportation, Infrastructure and Energy announced a bilateral agreement that will make more than $112 million in combined funding available under two new federal programs - the Clean Water and Wastewater Fund and the Public Transit Infrastructure Fund - and supported by provincial government infrastructure programs. The federal government is providing up to 50% of funding for the projects supported through these programs. The provincial government and municipalities provide the balance of funding.

The agreement is part of Phase 1 of the 10-year Investing in Canada plan, which will help lay the foundation for the longer-term federal investment strategy.

Also announced today was an initial list of 23 approved projects under the two new funding programs including Tignish's Sewage Treatment Plant upgrades that will increase the existing facility's capacity to treat wastewater and therefore better protect the environment, as well as transit upgrades in Charlottetown that will make public transit more inclusive across the city in addition to cutting commute times for everyone.

Quotes

"We are very pleased to have reached an agreement for Prince Edward Island, done in solid partnership with the province, which will make $112 million in funding available so that PEI communities can address their infrastructure priorities, while helping grow the middle class with good, well-paying jobs."

The Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, on behalf of the Honourable Amarjeet Sohi, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities

"Investments in clean, strategic infrastructure build stronger communities, grow our economy and protect our environment. We are pleased to partner with the federal government and Island communities to support key priorities that will encourage sustained prosperity for our province."

The Honourable Wade MacLauchlan, Premier of Prince Edward Island

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Complete list of identified projects in Prince Edward Island: http://media3.marketwire.com/docs/Ceremony_EN_FINAL.pdf

Quick facts

• This funding is part of the first phase of Investing in Canada, the Government of Canada's historic $120-billion plan to support public infrastructure across the country over the next 10 years.
• Phase 1 of Investing in Canada provides $11.9 billion in investments to support public transit systems, green infrastructure projects, and social infrastructure projects. Details on Phase 2 of Investing in Canada will be announced over the next year.
• The funding available under Phase 1 will be provided through the Public Transit Infrastructure Fund and the Clean Water and Wastewater Fund, both of which will be managed through agreements between the Government of Canada and provincial and territorial governments.
• Under this agreement, the Government of Canada has made its funding retroactive to April 1, 2016, so projects can proceed without delay to ensure a productive construction season.

Associated links

Federal infrastructure investments in Prince Edward Island: http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/map-carte/pe-eng.html

Have your say on infrastructure: infraconsults.ca

Investing in Canada, the Government of Canada's new $120 billion infrastructure plan: http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/plan/index-eng.html

The Clean Water and Wastewater Fund: http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/plan/cwwf-fepeu-eng.html

The Public Transit Infrastructure Fund: http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/plan/ptif-fitc-eng.php

Twitter: @INFC_eng

Web: Infrastructure Canada