Ottawa getting $828 million in infrastructure money
Nova Scotia will get $828 million in federal infrastructure funding over the next 10 years under an agreement announced Tuesday that will see much of the money go to small, cash-strapped communities.
The province is the seventh province or territory to sign on to the $180-billion, 12-year Investing in Canada Plan.
Premier Stephen McNeil said the money would assist with water and sewer projects and other provincial priorities including the twinning of 100-series highways, the expansion of broadband internet in rural areas, and construction of a new art gallery in Halifax.
The money would also allow the province to help fund infrastructure projects in its 13 Mi’kmaq communities, including the cleanup of the Northern Pulp wastewater lagoons which sit on the property of the Pictou Landing First Nation, he said.
“We believe there is an important opportunity,” he said. “I made a commitment on behalf of the province that we would deal with the issue of Boat Harbour and this will allow us and the federal government to be part of that.”
Treasury Board President Scott Brison said the key for rural communities will be the flexibility of the funding formula, which is calculated to reduce their burden.
“The fact we are enabling smaller
communities to attain up to 60 per cent of federal funding for their projects is a real game changer,” said Brison.
“It’s going to make a difference for a lot of these communities that simply don’t have the tax base to raise the money.”
Geoff Stewart, president of the Nova Scotia Union of Municipalities, said the program would provide some relief for struggling towns and villages.
“Municipalities have been struggling for many years to try to maintain a level of service that is expected by the public. This announcement can only enhance the opportunities for better waste water treatment and water treatment.”