Province, Federal Government Provide Infrastructure Boost To Stimulate Economy

NOTE: A social media version of this release, with photographs, audio and video clips is available at http://gov.ns.ca/news/smr/20090430001PRE.asp .

Communities across Nova Scotia will benefit from a $136-million joint investment in key infrastructure projects, thanks to a partnership between the governments of Nova Scotia and Canada.

Premier Rodney MacDonald and Peter MacKay, Minister of the Atlantic Gateway, today, April 30, announced funding for shovel-ready infrastructure projects under existing infrastructure programs and new money allocated in Canada's Economic Action Plan.

"The Building for Growth plan is about getting people working, and keeping our economy growing," said Premier MacDonald. "The plan is also based on strategic investments that will benefit our economy and the quality of life for Nova Scotians for years to come."

In addition, Mr. MacKay noted that the federal government and partners have identified six projects worth $172 million to support the longer-term objectives of the Atlantic Gateway. The government of Canada has set aside up to $86 million for these initiatives that will help set the foundation for the Atlantic Gateway and enable it to become an efficient, integrated and competitive transportation system with direct and reliable access to and from North America's economic heartland.

"The government of Canada's number one priority is to stimulate our economy and create jobs for Canadians," said Mr. MacKay. "Thanks to the strong relationship between our two governments, we can work together to help Nova Scotia communities remain competitive and prosperous.

"The government of Canada is also helping Halifax and Nova Scotia to play their role as a major trade gateway to the world. We understand the importance of investing in roads, bridges and other infrastructure to boost the economy and make our communities stronger."

Premier MacDonald said roads, Gateway and tourism-related investments are key to maintaining the province's economic growth over the long term. Municipal projects support the province's commitment to become a leader in greening communities.

The new federal $4-billion Infrastructure Stimulus Fund provides funding to provincial, territorial and municipal construction-ready infrastructure rehabilitation projects that will be built during this and next year's construction seasons. Twenty-six infrastructure projects in Nova Scotia will receive a joint federal-provincial investment of $55.8 million under the Infrastructure Stimulus Fund. The governments of Canada and Nova Scotia have set aside $28 million in joint funding for stimulus projects to be applied for by the Halifax Regional Municipality and the Cape Breton Regional Municipality. Specifics projects will be identified after discussions with both municipalities.

For provincial projects, the province and the federal government will each contribute up to 50 per cent of eligible costs. For municipal projects, the federal and provincial governments will each contribute up to one-third of eligible costs, with municipalities expected to contribute one-third.

The federal and provincial governments also announced joint funding of more than $25 million for 13 projects in communities of fewer than 100,000 residents under the Communities Component.

This year's federal budget also provides an additional $500 million nationally for the Communities Component for projects that can be built over the next two years. Today, both governments announced $28 million for 38 projects under this "top up." The governments of Canada and Nova Scotia are contributing two-thirds of the total eligible costs of these projects, while Nova Scotia communities are contributing the remainder of the funds.

Canada and Nova Scotia are working together to create jobs and boost the economy, while making significant investments that help communities improve their infrastructure.

Both governments have agreed to ensure that these funds are delivered quickly and efficiently to municipalities in Nova Scotia.

For more information, please visit www.buildingcanada.gc.ca .