$1,668,218 invested in Lamarche for wastewater treatment

Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund (MRIF)

Lamarche, November 13, 2006 – Acting on behalf of Nathalie Normandeau, Quebec's Ministre des Affaires municipales et des Régions, Françoise Gauthier, Member of the National Assembly for Jonquière, Ministre du Tourisme and Ministre responsable de la région du Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean, and the Honourable Jean-Pierre Blackburn, Minister of Labour and Minister of Canada Economic Development, are pleased to announce that the Municipality of Lamarche will receive $1,376,418 in combined government funding under the Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund (MRIF) to treat its wastewater which empties into Des Habitants Lake and River.

The project involves replacing domestic sewage lines under Principale Street, replacing the pumping station and constructing an aerated pond wastewater treatment system. Completion of this work will enhance environmental protection and benefit some 385 people.

This project will require a total investment of $1,878,828, of which $1,668,218 is eligible under component 1 of the MRIF. Thus, the Government of Quebec and the Government of Canada will each contribute $688,209 toward the project for a total of $1,376,418 in combined government funding, while the Municipality of Lamarche will contribute $291,800, in addition to $210,610 for complementary work, for a total of $502,410.

Lamarche Mayor Jean-Guy Fortin said he was delighted that this work, considered a priority for the municipality and the well-being of its residents, will be carried out.

The Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund is a $390 million cost-sharing initiative of the Government of Quebec and the Government of Canada to help finance municipal infrastructure projects in Quebec. With the financial participation of municipalities, this initiative could result in investments of nearly $576 million for infrastructure work in the province. The objectives of the MRIF are to upgrade community infrastructure, improve the quality of the environment, promote long-term economic growth and enhance citizens' quality of life.

Implementation of the MRIF in Quebec is the result of a joint agreement signed by the Government of Quebec and the Government of Canada in July 2005. The program, which is in force until March 31, 2010, is administered by Quebec's Ministère des Affaires municipales et des Régions. Canada Economic Development is responsible for delivering the federal portion of the MRIF on behalf of the Government of Canada.

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Source:

Christine Poirier Laberge
Communications Advisor
Communications Branch
Ministère des Affaires municipales et des Régions
514-873-3687

Information:

Jonathan Trudeau
Press Secretary
Office of the Ministre des Affaires municipales et des Régions
418-691-2050

Roxane Marchand
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Jean-Pierre Blackburn
Canada Economic Development
819-953-5646
613-816-5094

Jean Décary
Communications Advisor
Canada Economic Development
514-283-2234

Jack Roy
Press Secretary
Office of the Ministre du Tourisme
418-528-8063