Regional Development : Provincial and federal governments approve funding for 74 water and wastewater projects across New Brunswick

CHIPMAN (GNB) - The provincial and federal governments are creating jobs through infrastructure investments, safeguarding public health, and helping protect New Brunswick's waterways by investing in projects to ensure that water and wastewater systems in the province are up to date, efficient and meet communities' increasing capacity needs.

Premier Brian Gallant and Fisheries, Oceans and Canadian Coast Guard Minister Dominic LeBlanc announced 74 other clean water and wastewater projects across New Brunswick that will benefit an additional 46 communities. The provincial government is investing more than $19 million while the federal government is providing more than $38 million.

'New Brunswickers want their government to invest in projects that will create more jobs,' said Premier Gallant. 'Funding infrastructure projects for essential services like clean, accessible drinking water are integral to supporting a community's capacity to foster economic development, to support its people, and to attract businesses.'

LeBlanc and Gallant also announced that a new project in Chipman has been approved under the federal government's Clean Water and Waste Water Fund.

The federal government is providing up to 50 per cent of the funding for this project, just over $1.7 million, and the provincial government is providing more than $892,000. The municipality will provide the balance of the funding.

'Water and wastewater treatment infrastructure is essential to maintaining clean waterways and a healthy environment,' said LeBlanc. 'We have committed to engaging with our regional partners to make sure they have the support they need to build sustainable communities and create well-paying jobs for the middle class. I am glad to see these critical projects moving forward, which will help ensure the long-term health and prosperity of New Brunswick residents for generations to come.'

LeBlanc spoke on behalf of Infrastructure and Communities Minister Amarjeet Sohi.

Thanks to this investment, Chipman residents will benefit from a new and improved wastewater treatment facility, replacing the aging infrastructure currently servicing the community and introducing upgraded processes to ensure cleaner water flows into the Salmon River.

Along with the 47 other Clean Water and Wastewater Fund projects announced in August 2016, a total of 121 projects are now approved, which amounts to more than $77.7 million in federal funds allocated under this program in New Brunswick.

More information is available online.

20-01-17