Lac-aux-Sables, Quebec, November 8, 2010 – The Honourable Denis Lebel, Minister of State for Canada Economic Development, today joined Michel Matte, Member of the Quebec National Assembly for Portneuf, acting on behalf of the Minister of Municipal Affairs, Regions and Land Occupancy, in announcing that the Parish of Lac-aux-Sables will receive an additional $714,288 in joint government funding under the Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund (MRIF) for the construction of a wastewater treatment system. This new funding comes on top of a $2,084,822 government contribution announced in August 2008.
Completion of this project will necessitate an overall eligible investment of $3,293,071 under component 1.0 of the MRIF. The governments of Quebec and Canada will each contribute $1,399,555 toward the project, for a combined total of $2,799,110, while the Parish of Lac-aux-Sables will itself invest $493,961 in the project.
The Parish of Lac-aux-Sables project involves extending an interception main and installing a new aerated pond treatment system to replace the existing activated sludge plant, which is ineffective and outdated.
"This financial support from the Government of Canada illustrates our commitment to equip municipalities with facilities that meet the principles of sustainable development," said Minister of State Lebel. "Quality infrastructure is a key element of any modern, wealth-building economy."
"This additional financial assistance demonstrates the Government of Quebec's commitment to improving community infrastructure in a very concrete and sustainable way," said MNA for Portneuf, Michel Matte.
The Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund is a cost-sharing initiative of the Government of Quebec and Government of Canada that makes $470 million in funding available to Quebec municipalities and non-governmental organizations. With the financial participation of these municipalities and organizations, this initiative could result in the execution of more than $700 million in infrastructure work. The objectives of the MRIF are to improve community infrastructure, the quality of the environment and citizens' quality of life, and to promote long-term economic growth.
In force up until March 31, 2010, the MRIF remains under the responsibility of the Quebec Department of Municipal Affairs, Regions and Land Occupancy. Canada Economic Development was mandated to deliver the federal portion of the Fund on behalf of the Government of Canada.
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Sources:
Benoît Fortin
Special Assistant, Communications
Office of the Honourable Denis Lebel
Canada Economic Development
Tel.: 819-997-3319
Nicole Gingras
Political Attaché
Riding office of the MNA for Portneuf
Tel.: 418-268-3860
Caroline Saint-Pierre
Communications Branch
Department of Municipal Affairs, Regions and Land Occupancy
Tel.: 418-691-2015
