GAGETOWN, NEW BRUNSWICK, March 16, 2016-- Karen Ludwig, Member of Parliament for New Brunswick Southwest, on behalf of the Honourable Amarjeet Sohi, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities, and Bernard LeBlanc, Member of the Legislative Assembly for Memramcook-Tantramar, on behalf of the Honourable Brian Kenny, New Brunswick Minister of Environment and Local Government, today announced $759,094 in joint funding for storm drain system improvements in Gagetown through the Small Communities Fund. Mike Blaney, Mayor of the Village of Gagetown, also participated in the announcement.
Project work includes replacing all existing sub-surface storm drains in the community's downtown and main tourism area, building three larger storm water outlets, and creating a diversion pond. Once complete, the new infrastructure is expected to reduce the amount of properties at risk of flooding.
The governments of Canada and New Brunswick are each contributing up to $379,547 to this project through the Small Communities Fund, representing two-thirds of the estimated $1,138,642 total project cost.
The $1-billion Small Communities Fund supports priority public infrastructure projects in communities across the country with less than 100,000 residents. The project announced today is among 43 others approved so far in New Brunswick for more than $59 million in joint funding under the program. These represent important investments in the green energy, drinking water, disaster mitigation and wastewater infrastructure needed to build stronger, more sustainable communities.
Quotes
"Our Government has made unprecedented commitments to support public infrastructure across Canada. By working in partnership with every order of government, we will target smart infrastructure investments to produce long-term prosperity and strengthen communities. We are very proud to be investing in this project, which will have a lasting positive impact on the quality of life of all Gagetown residents."
Karen Ludwig, Member of Parliament for New Brunswick Southwest, on behalf of the Honourable Amarjeet Sohi, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities
"This upgrade will redesign and replace the municipality's storm drain system to reduce flooding and renew transportation infrastructure in the core of the village. The village and the province are working in partnership with the federal government to support the sustainability of this community and jobs."
Bernard LeBlanc, Member of the Legislative Assembly for Memramcook-Tantramar, on behalf of the Honourable Brian Kenny, New Brunswick Minister of Environment and Local Government
"We're pleased to work with our government partners to bring this important improvement to our community. The repairs will not only upgrade our storm drain system, but will also help to revitalize the road going through the heart of our community, which will benefit our local businesses and create a more welcoming village centre for our citizens and visitors."
Mike Blaney, Mayor of the Village of Gagetown
