Government of Canada Supports Important Water System Upgrades in Saint-Andre Through the Small Communities Fund

SAINT-ANDRÉ, NEW BRUNSWICK--(Marketwired - May 22, 2015) - Infrastructure Canada

Mike Allen, Member of Parliament for Tobique-Mactaquac, on behalf of the Honourable Denis Lebel, Minister of Infrastructure, Communities and Intergovernmental Affairs and Minister of the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec, was joined today by Chuck Chiasson, Member of the Legislature for Victoria-La-Vallée, on behalf of the Honourable Brian Kenny, New Brunswick Minister of Environment and Local Government, and Allain Desjardins, Mayor of Saint-André, to announce $427,629 in federal funding for water infrastructure upgrades in Saint-André.

The project involves installing a new, 1,820-cubic-metre water reservoir. This important infrastructure investment will help ensure Saint-André residents have reliable access to high-quality drinking water and that the Town has the capacity to protect the community against fire and other emergencies.

The project announced today is among 38 projects recently approved for more than $79 million in joint funding under the Small Communities Fund in New Brunswick. These projects represent important investments in the drinking water, disaster mitigation and wastewater infrastructure that maintain safe, healthy communities. Once complete, the work will significantly improve key municipal services for residents and help boost regional development for years to come.

The $1-billion Small Communities Fund provides funding for priority public infrastructure projects that deliver on local needs across the country. Canada and New Brunswick will each provide $39,363,723 to support projects in New Brunswick communities with fewer than 100,000 residents over the course of the funding program. This will help address local infrastructure priorities and boost economies in small communities throughout the province well into the future.

Quick Facts:

• For the water reservoir replacement, the Government of Canada will contribute up to one third of the total eligible project costs of $1,282,888, to a maximum of $427,629, under the New Building Canada Fund's Provincial-Territorial Infrastructure Component-Small Communities Fund.
• The Government of New Brunswick will also contribute one third of the project costs up to $427,629.
• The rural community of Saint-André will be responsible for the remaining project costs.
• For the 38 projects altogether, the Government of Canada is providing up to one third of the total eligible costs to a maximum federal contribution of $26,430,266.
• The Province of New Brunswick will contribute up to $26,430,266 to these projects.
• New Brunswick communities will be responsible for the remaining costs of the 38 projects.

Quotes:

"Our Government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Stephen Harper, understands that by building stronger communities and modernizing and developing our infrastructure, we are creating jobs and opportunities and building a better Canada for future generations. The Small Communities Fund of the New Building Canada Fund supports economic growth from coast to coast to coast while ensuring that Canadian communities remain among the best in the world to live."

Mike Allen, Member of Parliament for Tobique-Mactaquac, on behalf of the Honourable Denis Lebel, Minister of Infrastructure, Communities and Intergovernmental Affairs and Minister of the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec

"We are pleased to work with our municipal and federal counterparts to protect our environment and build stronger, sustainable communities. Our government's number one priority is creating jobs and this project advances that priority while enhancing the infrastructure necessary to provide essential services and improve the quality of life for New Brunswick families."

Chuck Chiasson, Member of the Legislature for Victoria-La-Vallée, on behalf of the Honourable Brian Kenny, New Brunswick Minister of Environment and Local Government

"We are pleased to be working with our government partners to improve our community's water infrastructure. The increased capacity and accessibility of water through the reservoir and tower will go a long way to ensuring Saint André can provide quality services to residents and contribute to the growth and vibrancy of our community."

Allain Desjardins, Mayor of Saint-André

Associated Links:

To learn more about the Small Communities Fund, please visit http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/plan/sc-cp-eng.html.

For additional information on the New Building Canada Plan, visit http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/plan/nbcp-npcc-eng.html.

To learn more about the Government of Canada's focus on jobs and the economy consult Canada's Economic Action Plan at http://www.budget.gc.ca/2015/home-accueil-eng.html.