The Community of Miscouche will receive funding under the Canada-Prince Edward Island Infrastructure Program to build a new sewage lagoon, which will address current and future wastewater treatment needs. A total of $738,000 will be invested under the infrastructure program, cost-shared equally among the federal, provincial and municipal governments.
This important investment in "green" and rural community infrastructure was announced today by Mr. Joe McGuire, Member of Parliament for Egmont, on behalf of the Honourable Gerry Byrne, Minister of State for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA); Mr. Wilfred Arsenault, MLA for Evangeline-Miscouche, on behalf of the Honourable Elmer MacFadyen, Minister of Community and Cultural Affairs for Prince Edward Island; and Mr. Stanley Gallant, Chairman of the Community of Miscouche.
"The Government of Canada recognizes the need to invest in the sustainable future of our rural communities, and we are proud to be a partner in this project," said Mr. McGuire. "The Community of Miscouche will benefit from the extension and upgrade of its wastewater system, as this infrastructure will support economic growth and protect public health."
"I am pleased that the Government of Prince Edward Island, through the Canada-Prince Edward Island Infrastructure Program is able to provide funding support to this important initiative for the Community of Miscouche," says Mr. Arsenault. "Miscouche is one of the fastest growing communities in Atlantic Canada and this initiative will assist the community in the enhancement of wastewater treatment capabilities, significantly contributing to the community's ability to serve its residents now and well into the future."
The project involves the addition of a new 2.5 acre sewage lagoon to work in conjunction with the existing wastewater stabilization pond located off Route 2. This project will allow approximately 60 new households to be connected to the municipal wastewater collection and treatment systems and support the high quality performance of the existing systems for many other households in the community. Work is expected to begin in the spring of 2003.
"While we feel very fortunate to be one of the fastest growing communities in Atlantic Canada, as members of the Community Council, we also realize that with growth comes a greater need to upgrade and expand our wastewater collection and treatment system," said Chairman Gallant. "Without the financial assistance under the infrastructure program, we may not have been able to undertake such a project. We are therefore very grateful that the Federal and Provincial Governments have recognized the needs of our Community and have agreed to help fund this project, which will support the enhancement and growth of our community for years to come."
The program's first priority is green municipal infrastructure to ensure effective wastewater management systems and safe drinking water. This project in Miscouche will support the program in achieving the goal of investing at least 60 per cent of program funds in green municipal infrastructure projects and at least 46 per cent in rural areas of the province.
The Canada-Prince Edward Island Infrastructure Program provides up to two-thirds of the eligible costs of community infrastructure projects. Communities provide the remaining one-third of project costs, making the program a unique partnership among all three levels of government, with infrastructure investments of more than $38 million in PEI over five years. The program is administered by ACOA and the PEI Department of Community and Cultural Affairs. The Federation of PEI Municipalities is an ex-officio member of the program's management committee.