Government of Canada Supports Important Wastewater Infrastructure Upgrades in Alma Through the Small Communities Fund

Project made possible by the New Building Canada Plan


ALMA, NEW BRUNSWICK--(Marketwired - July 21, 2015) - Infrastructure Canada

The Honourable Rob Moore, Regional Minister for New Brunswick, Minister of State (Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency) and Member of Parliament for Fundy Royal, 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, today announced $116,530 in federal funding for wastewater infrastructure upgrades in Alma. Minister Moore was joined by Bernard LeBlanc, Member of the Legislative Assembly for Memramcook-Tantramar, on behalf of the Honourable Brian Kenny, New Brunswick Minister of Environment and Local Government, and Kirstin Shortt, Mayor of the Village of Alma.

The project involves upgrading Alma's wastewater treatment plant. With the completion of the Fundy Trail parkway in the next few years, tourist traffic is expected to increase significantly in the area, resulting in additional pressure on the wastewater treatment plant. This work will contribute to more efficient wastewater services for residents and allow the Village to meet existing and future wastewater needs.

The project announced today is among 39 projects recently approved for more than $85 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 Alma project, the Government of Canada will contribute up to one third of the total eligible project costs of $349,591, to a maximum of $116,530, 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 $116,530.
  • The Village of Alma will be responsible for the remaining project costs.
  • For the 39 projects altogether, the Government of Canada is providing up to one third of the total eligible costs to a maximum federal contribution of $28,420,281.
  • The Province of New Brunswick will also contribute up to $28,420,281 for these projects.
  • New Brunswick communities will be responsible for the remaining costs of the 39 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."

The Honourable Rob Moore, Regional Minister for New Brunswick, Minister of State (Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency) and Member of Parliament for Fundy Royal, 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

"This expansion will allow the village to increase capacity at its wastewater treatment plant to better meet existing and future needs of the area. The municipality and the province are working in partnership with the federal government to support the sustainability of this community, tourism and jobs."

Bernard LeBlanc, Member of the Legislative Assembly for Memramcook-Tantramar, on behalf of the Honourable Brian Kenny, New Brunswick Minister of Environment and Local Government

"Our community is an important tourist destination and the gateway to one of our province's most treasured and important tourist regions. We're pleased to work with both levels of government to ensure we continue to provide safe wastewater infrastructure and that we are well positioned for the demands of future business developments and growth."

Kirstin Shortt, Mayor of the Village of Alma

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.

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Contact Information:

Vincent Rabault, Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Infrastructure,
Communities and Intergovernmental Affairs,
and Minister of the Economic Development Agency of Canada
for the Regions of Quebec
613-943-1838

Kelsie Corey
Director of Communications
Office of the Honourable Rob Moore
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
613-941-7241

Jennifer Graham
Director of Communications
Department of Environment and Local Government
506-444-2179
Jennifer.Graham@gnb.ca
www.gnb.ca

Infrastructure Canada
613-960-9251
Toll free: 1-877-250-7154
media@infc.gc.ca