Federal, provincial and municipal governments today announced investments of more than $2.65 million into three Island communities for projects to improve their water and sewer systems. Projects in Hunter River, Abrams Village and Georgetown have been approved through the Canada-Prince Edward Island Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund (MRIF), with costs being shared on a one-third basis between the three levels of government.
“Canada's New Government is working in partnership with all orders of government to get things done for the people of Prince Edward Island,” said the Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of National Defence and Minister of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA). “This joint funding of over $2.65 million for three infrastructure projects demonstrates our commitment to keeping our rural communities vibrant and strong. We are pleased to partner on initiatives that enhance the quality of life for all Islanders.”
“Since its inception, the Canada-Prince Edward Island Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund has brought more than $65 million dollars in infrastructure investment to Island communities,” said the Honourable Carolyn Bertram, Minister of Communities, Cultural Affairs and Labour. “We are pleased to work with our federal and municipal partners to provide funding for priority infrastructure areas within our Island municipalities.”
“This partnership with the three orders of government ensures all Islanders have access to the most modern and efficient ways of running our cities, towns and communities,” said Bruce MacDougall, President of the Federation of PEI Municipalities. “Investments in infrastructure, like the ones announced today, are important to the continued success of our communities.”
The Municipality of Abrams Village will receive nearly $1.5 million to extend its sewer services to residents along Rte. 11 and the Egmont Bay Wharf facility. The project will also upgrade and expand an existing waste stabilization pond treatment facility.
The Municipality of Hunter River will receive $350,000 to upgrade its sewage treatment plant. The plant has experienced significant flooding in the past, and this investment will allow for the addition of effluent pumping. The funding will also enable the community to replace its UV disinfection system with a safer, more secure system, and add a sludge pump and holding tank.
Town of Georgetown will receive nearly $840,000 to replace its existing water and sewer infrastructure along Water Street and construct a sidewalk.
The MRIF program invests in projects that strengthen water, wastewater and solid waste systems. It helps communities enhance public transit, local roads and bridges. Funds can also be used for projects that develop tourism or help make communities more energy-efficient.
MRIF is administered by the PEI Department of Communities, Cultural Affairs and Labour and ACOA through the Canada-PEI Infrastructure Secretariat. Project costs are shared on a one-third basis between the federal, provincial and local governments. For more information about infrastructure initiatives in Prince Edward Island, visit www.infrastructure.gc.ca or www.gov.pe.ca/cca