Investing in Membertou First Nation Brings Regional Benefits

PREMIER'S OFFICE/OFFICE OF ABORIGINAL AFFAIRS--Investing in Membertou First Nation Brings Regional Benefits

• --------------------------------------------------------------The province is investing in new highway infrastructure that will support the growing economy of Membertou and benefit all of Cape Breton.

Premier Darrell Dexter joined Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada Minister John Duncan and Membertou Band Chief Terrance Paul today, Aug. 15, to announce a new $7-million interchange on Highway 125.

"Stronger and more self-sufficient communities make for a stronger province and a stronger region," said Premier Dexter, who is also the Minister of Aboriginal Affairs. "This new interchange will improve community connections and support the economic engine of the community by bringing together people, services and businesses on both sides of Membertou First Nation, serving as a unifying link to prosperity.

"All of Cape Breton benefits from having vibrant Aboriginal communities like Membertou."

The province is contributing up to $3 million for the design and construction of the overpass. The federal government will provide $3 million for the project and Membertou Band $1 million.

"The government of Canada is pleased to partner with the Membertou band and the province of Nova Scotia to achieve the construction of the much-needed Highway 125 Interchange," said Mr. Duncan. "Improving infrastructures is a priority for our government and this significant investment will boost Membertou's economy, create jobs and benefits the surrounding communities."

"The Highway 125 interchange project is significant to Membertou for two reasons: community and economic development," says Chief Terrance Paul. "The construction of the interchange will provide increased opportunities for the commercial development but, more importantly, this interchange will reconnect our reserve lands and provide access to these lands for new housing developments. With the sheer growth of our population and the growth of our businesses, expansion to the opposite side of Highway 125 is welcomed and necessary."

Design, engineering and construction of the bridge span and ramps will begin in September. The project is expected to be completed by December 2013. The interchange project will be co-ordinated with twinning Highway 125, which is scheduled to be finished in 2014.

"This is indeed an exciting time for Membertou and for Nova Scotia, and I look forward to the work getting underway," Premier Dexter said. "There are many more great opportunities on the horizon for our province, and by continuing to work together, we can ensure that all Nova Scotians are poised for a new level of prosperity."

This year $363 million will be invested in Nova Scotia roads, paving 500 kilometres and resurfacing over 200 kilometres. The province is fixing more roads than ever before, creating thousands of jobs, keeping communities strong and growing the economy.