Safer routes and highway access for Paqtnkek Mi'kmaw Nation

AFTON, NS, Oct. 21, 2017 /CNW/ - Modern, public infrastructure is key to supporting the unique needs of First Nations communities. The governments of Canada and Nova Scotia are investing in well-planned road infrastructure that will contribute to building more efficient transportation corridors and supporting sustainable and inclusive First Nations communities for years to come.

Rodger Cuzner, Member of Parliament for Cape Breton—Canso, on behalf of the Honourable Amarjeet Sohi, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities; and the Honourable Lloyd Hines, Nova Scotia Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal, today announced up to $15.3 million in federal-provincial funding for the Highway 104 Paqtnkek Interchange Project. The federal government is contributing over $6.4 million through the Building Canada Fund – Major Infrastructure Component (BCF-MIC), with the Government of Nova Scotia providing up to $8.9 million.

This collaborative project, in partnership with the Paqtnkek Mi'kmaw Nation, involves the construction of a large diamond interchange, including new north and south connector roads and highway underpass. These improvements will significantly reduce travel times for residents of the Paqtnkek community, and increase safety and traveller mobility to and from Highway 104. Most importantly, the new interchange will provide improved 100 Series highway access to Reserve lands that were previously disconnected from the highway.

Quotes

"The Government of Canada is working in close partnership with the province of Nova Scotia to ensure we make smart infrastructure investments that help grow the economy, promote sustainable development and increase public safety. By supporting the development of important transportation infrastructure, like Highway 104 and the Paqtnkek Interchange, we help create increased opportunities for Paqtnkek Mi'kmaw Nation and area residents."

Rodger Cuzner, Member of Parliament for Cape Breton—Canso, on behalf of the Honourable Amarjeet Sohi, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities

"Today's provincial and federal investment will help improve safe access to the Paqtnkek reserve. The new interchange will also create economic opportunities by providing access to the land for residential expansion and commercial development."

The Honourable Lloyd Hines, Nova Scotia Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal

"The Highway 104 interchange project represents a true partnership between the Crown and Paqtnkek Mi'kmaw Nation. This relationship of trust and mutual support will ensure a legacy of growth and opportunity for our community and beyond."

Paul (PJ) Prosper, Chief of Paqtnkek Mi'kmaw Nation

Quick facts  

• 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.
• More than $10.1 billion of this funding will support trade and transportation projects, including $5 billion that will be available for investment through the Canada Infrastructure Bank.
• $4 billion of this funding will support infrastructure projects in Indigenous communities.

Associated links

Government of Canada's $180-billion+ infrastructure plan in Budget 2017: http://www.budget.gc.ca/2017/docs/bb/brief-bref-en.html#section2

Federal infrastructure investments in Nova Scotia: http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/map-carte/ns-eng.html

New Building Canada – Major Infrastructure Component (MIC): http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/prog/programs-infc-summary-eng.html#mic

Twitter: @INFC_eng

Web: Infrastructure Canada

SOURCE Infrastructure Canada

View original content: http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/October2017/21/c2573.html