Pictou County residents will have improvements to water, wastewater and road infrastructure through an investment of $3.09 million by federal, provincial and municipal governments.

Peter MacKay, federal Minister of Justice and Attorney General, Cumberland North MLA Terry Farrell, on behalf of Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations Minister Mark Furey, Glen MacKinnon, Mayor Town of Trenton, and Joe Hawes, Mayor Town of Pictou, announced funding for three projects today, Dec. 7.

Upgrades will be made to water utilities in the Town of Pictou, including refurbishing the water tower, replacing the distribution line, and other drinking-water related infrastructure. In Trenton, about 565 metres of combined sewers will be separated, and about nine kilometres of Highway 348 in Pictou County, from Blue Acres to Springville/Churchville line, will be repaved.

"The government is proud to contribute to the joint $2.75-million investment provided through the Provincial-Territorial Base Fund for these three important infrastructure initiatives in Nova Scotia," said Mr. MacKay. "This once again shows our commitment to help ensure Canadian communities remain among the best in the world to live."

"The province recognizes the value of investing in infrastructure projects to improve the quality of life for our residents," said Mr. Farrell. "Nova Scotia is pleased to work with the federal and municipal governments to create healthier and safer communities."

The three projects will receive $2.75 million in joint funding from the provincial and federal governments and an additional $342,000 from the towns of Trenton and Pictou for the sewer separation and the water utility upgrades.

"Infrastructure is the biggest concern for small communities today. This support by our federal and provincial counterparts is essential to our sustainability," said Mr. MacKinnon. "The Town of Trenton is very appreciative of the continued support from our federal and provincial partners. This is a very good day for our town as we continue phase two of our storm sewer separation plan."

The funding being announced today plays a significant part in the Town of Pictou's plan for drinking water infrastructure upgrades.