Water, waste water projects get nearly $4M in federal funding

MP Neil Ellis with PEC Mayor Robert Quaiff and CAO James Hepburn, at the funding announcement Wednesday morning at Shire Hall.

The federal government announced nearly $4 million in funding for water and waste water projects in the County and Belleville.

Bay of Quinte MP Neil Ellis made the announcements Wednesday on behalf of Amarjeet Sohi, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities.

“It is a great pleasure to announce these investments that will support mayors, councils and municipalities in their service to our communities as they strive to provide safe, clean water for Bay of Quinte families to drink and enjoy,” he said “It is so important that this critical infrastructure be maintained considering how vital water is to our everyday life. With these projects, supported by the Clean Water and Waste Water Fund, we are working together to ensure the health, wellbeing, and safety of our communities today and for future generations. ”

Prince Edward County received $663,594 toward a $1.3 million project to install 1.2 km of new watermain along Church Street and upsizing watermains at the Picton Heights reservoir. The line runs to the water reservoir which services 2,400 customers and approximately 6,500 residents. The province and the County will each pay $331,797.

“We are extremely grateful to the provincial and federal governments for the funding to make this project possible,” said Mayor Rober Quaiff. “Not only is this great news for the municipality, but more importantly, it is good news for residents. Our water supply is extremely important and this funding allows for necessary upgrades to take place in 2017/2018.”

Belleville received a $3,306,083 federal contribution and $1,653,042 provincial contribution for new sanitary and storm sewar projects and repairs. The municipality will cover $1,690,875.