Building stronger communities across Nova Scotia with federal Gas Tax Fund
News release
First of two annual funding transfers now available for 50 communities across the province
August 10, 2018 - Halifax, Nova Scotia
Investing in modern, efficient public infrastructure is key to promoting economic growth, strengthening the middle class and developing healthy sustainable communities.
The Government of Canada delivered the first of two $29.2 million annual installments of the federal Gas Tax Fund (GTF) to Nova Scotia. In total, the province will be provided with over $58.5 million this year through the fund.
The GTF is a long-term, indexed source of funding that supports local infrastructure projects across the province each year. In Annapolis County, the GTF will support the installation of rural, high speed internet and wireless access to unserviced areas, allowing residents to connect with family and friends more often, and increasing access to online employment opportunities.
The Cape Breton Regional Municipality will begin a paving program for local and collector roads while also rebuilding curb, storm sewer and waterlines, to improve road and sidewalk safety. The Halifax Regional Municipality will revitalize the Halifax Transit Fleet with the purchase of new buses, replacing older buses. This will reduce maintenance costs, increase service reliability and lower carbon emissions.
Broadband and connectivity, roads, and transit are only three of the 18 project categories eligible for funding under the program. This wide range demonstrates the flexibility of the GTF in allowing communities to direct their allocations to their most pressing local needs.
Quotes
“Local governments know best what their communities need, and the Government of Canada is proud to deliver stable, long-term funding that they count on to develop and maintain their public infrastructure. By investing in our communities, the Government of Canada is promoting economic growth and environmental sustainability, strengthening the middle class and helping ensure all Canadians have access to the opportunities they need to succeed.”
The Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities
“The investments that Nova Scotia municipalities make with Gas Tax funds help build and revitalize local public infrastructure while supporting economic growth, a clean environment, and strong rural and urban communities.”
The Honourable Chuck Porter, Nova Scotia Minister of Municipal Affairs
Quick facts
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The two federal Gas Tax Fund installments for this year flow to communities through the provincial government under the Investing in Canada plan
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Communities can invest across 18 different project categories. They can also use the funds immediately for priority projects, bank them for later use, pool the dollars with other communities for shared infrastructure projects or use them to finance major infrastructure expenditures.
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Through its Investing in Canada plan, the Government of Canada will invest more than $180 billion over 12 years in public transit projects, green infrastructure, social infrastructure, trade and transportation routes, and Canada’s rural and northern communities.
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Contacts
Kate Monfette
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Infrastructure and Communities
613-301-0894
kate.monfette@canada.ca
Krista Higdon
Communications Assistant
Department of Municipal Affairs
(902) 220-6619
Krista.Higdon@novascotia.ca
Infrastructure Canada
613-960-9251
Toll free: 1-877-250-7154
infc.media-medias.infc@canada.ca
Twitter: @INFC_eng
Web: Infrastructure Canada
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