July 8, 2005
Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island
The first deadline for applications under the $54 Million
Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund (MRIF) is July 22,
2005. In announcing this new program last April 27, the
Governments of Canada and Prince Edward Island stated that
eligible applicants include municipalities, unincorporated
areas and community organizations. Up to one third of the
total amount is available for projects in this first
funding round.
"The Government of Canada is committed to investing in
communities and MRIF has proven to be an innovative and
effective approach, designed to take into account the
unique priorities of both large and small communities
across the Island. This program has had and will continue
to have a tremendous impact on the economic, environmental,
cultural and social sustainability of communities across
Prince Edward Island," said Honourable Joe McGuire,
Minister of Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency.
"MRIF offers a unique opportunity to support communities in
enhancing local infrastructure to support future growth and
development," said PEI Minister of Community and Cultural
Affairs, the Honourable Elmer MacFadyen. "The objectives
of this program aim to improve our quality of life through
investments that enhance the environment, support long-term
economic growth and improve community infrastructure
initiatives which can benefit all Islanders."
The MRIF includes a strong "green" element. At least 40 per
cent of the fund will support projects that lead to cleaner
air and water. These include improvements to local systems
for water, wastewater, solid waste, and environmental
energy improvements to municipal buildings. Public transit
projects also count as "green," helping to reduce
greenhouse gas emissions from cars.
A secondary focus provides for investment in other
categories such as local roads, better Internet
connections, and projects that promote local culture,
recreation and tourism.
In addition, up to one per cent of the Federal and
Provincial share of the fund will be devoted to
infrastructure capacity building to help communities better
assess their existing infrastructure and strengthen
municipal planning.
A second call for applications will be made at later date;
more information is available by calling the Canada-Prince
Edward Island Infrastructure Secretariat at 902-368-4882 or
visiting the Web site at www.gov.pe.ca/go/infrastructure.
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For more information contact:
Ron Crozier
Office of the Minister of ACOA
(902) 888-4150
Jennifer MacLeod
Community and Cultural Affairs
(902)368-5829
Jana Parker
ACOA PEI and Tourism
(902) 368-0264
