The Honourable Gerry Byrne, Minister of State for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA); Claude Williams, MLA for Kent-South and Mayor of Rexton Raymond Murphy today announced that the Village of Rexton is partnering with the federal and provincial governments under the Canada - New Brunswick Infrastructure Program to upgrade its wastewater system. The total investment under this program will be $209,997, with each of the three funding partners contributing a third of this amount.

Work to be undertaken includes the installation of about 600 metres of sanitary sewer on Maple Drive, including the addition of a submersible pumping station. This will result in 14 new wastewater connections.

"The Government of Canada plays a major role as enabler and catalyst to strengthen partnerships required to deliver a 21st century Infrastructure Program agenda as its first priority," said Dominic LeBlanc, MP for Beauséjour- Petitcodiac, who attended the event on behalf of Minister Byrne. "Today's announcement was a top priority for the municipality of Rexton and I am proud to have been part of the partnering process to make this project a reality."

"We are investing in the future of communities by giving local governments the resources they need to become sustainable. Investing in infrastructure is vital to the development of New Brunswick," said Williams. "This is a good example of what we can achieve when the three levels of government work together." Williams spoke on behalf of both the Hon. Premier Bernard Lord, Minister Responsible for the Regional Development Corporation and the Hon. Brenda Fowlie, Minister of the Environment and Local Government.

"Today's infrastructure announcement is certainly good news for the people of Rexton," said Mayor Murphy. "It allows the Village to complete the sewerage system within the village boundaries at 33 cents per dollar, a feat which would be nearly impossible if the Village had to pay the total cost. I am extremely pleased that, in co-operation with the federal and provincial governments, this project has been made possible. My sincere appreciation to all parties involved."

This announcement brings the total announced projects to 67, for a total funding of over $106-million dollars.

In New Brunswick, ACOA is responsible for the implementation of the program federally, while the Department of the Environment and Local Government, in conjunction with the Regional Development Corporation, are the responsible provincial jurisdictions.

More information on the Canada - New Brunswick Infrastructure Program is available online at the following sites: www.infrastructurecanada.gc.ca; www.gnb.ca/elg- egl/0376/0001/index-e.html.

Corey Hobbs
Office of Minister of State for ACOA
613-941-7241

Paul LeBlanc
Senior Communications Officer
ACOA NB
506-452-3310

Christelle Léger
Communications Officer
Environment and Local Government
506-453-6703