Government of Canada Supports Important Infrastructure Upgrades in Hampton Through the Small Communities Fund and the Federal Gas Tax Fund

HAMPTON, NEW BRUNSWICK--(Marketwired - July 28, 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 $1,903,906 in federal funding under the Small Communities Fund and the federal Gas Tax Fund for important road and water infrastructure projects in the Town of Hampton. Minister Moore was joined by Rick Doucet, New Brunswick Minister of Economic Development, and Ken Chorley, Mayor of Hampton.

Under the Small Communities Fund, Hampton will receive $407,791 to separate the combined storm/sanitary system currently in place along Dutch Point Road and adjacent streets. This work will decrease the flow of storm water into the sanitary sewer system, thus reducing the burden on the waste water treatment plant as well as overflow incidents. Once completed, the project will make water treatment systems in the area more efficient and improve protection against property damage from flooding.

The municipality is also using $1,496,195 from the federal Gas Tax Fund to repair and resurface streets throughout the community, including the reconstruction of sidewalks and storm and sanitary sewers, as required. This work will go a long way in improving driver safety and reducing wear and tear on residents' vehicles.

The Small Communities Fund 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.

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.

The annual, $2-billion, federal Gas Tax Fund provides predictable, long-term funding to help Canadian municipalities build and revitalize their local infrastructure while creating jobs and long-term prosperity. Projects are chosen locally and prioritized according to the infrastructure needs of each community. These projects not only improve communities, but the resulting jobs contribute to the local economy.

Quick Facts:

Storm/sanitary sewer project:

• For this project, the Government of Canada will contribute up to one third of the total eligible project cost of $1,223,373, to a maximum of $407,791, 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 $407,791.
• The Town of Hampton will be responsible for the remaining project costs.

Small Communities Fund in New Brunswick:

• 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 contribute up to $28,420,281 to these projects.
• New Brunswick communities will be responsible for the remaining costs of the 39 projects.

Road rehabilitation projects:

• Federal contribution: $1,496,195.

Gas Tax Fund in New Brunswick

• To date, $15 billion has been made available to Canadian municipalities through the federal Gas Tax Fund, with close to $22 billion flowing over the 10-year duration of the renewed agreements.
• Between 2015 and 2019, New Brunswick municipalities will receive more than $225 million through this fund.

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, along with the federal Gas Tax Fund, support 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

"These infrastructure investments are being made to ensure a safe water supply for the town and to support important road and street improvements. The municipality and the province are working in partnership with the federal government to support the sustainability of this community and jobs."

Rick Doucet, New Brunswick Minister of Economic Development

"We're pleased to work with our government partners to address some our most immediate infrastructure needs. These investments represent a significant step forward in providing a sustainable future for the town and its residents."

Ken Chorley, Mayor of Hampton

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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