ROTHESAY (GNB) – The provincial, federal, and municipal governments today announced $21.5 million in funding for a new wastewater treatment facility on the site of the existing two-step lagoon in Rothesay.

“Investing in improved wastewater and drinking water facilities is an important part of delivering on our government’s priority to build vibrant and sustainable communities,” said Justice and Public Safety Minister Hugh J. Flemming. “With projects like these, we are not only preserving public health and protecting the environment, we are also equipping these communities with the infrastructure they need for population growth and economic recovery.”

Flemming spoke on behalf of Environment and Climate Change Minister Gary Crossman, who is also minister responsible for the Regional Development Corporation.

The new facility, which is the second phase of a larger initiative to modernize the town’s wastewater collection system, will increase treatment capacity by using ultraviolet disinfection. Once completed, the facility will release cleaner water into the Kennebecasis River.

“Investing in green infrastructure helps build a greener and more sustainable future for the next generations. Projects like the new wastewater treatment facility in Rothesay will ensure residents can enjoy the Kennebecasis River and keep it healthy for many years,” said Saint John-Rothesay MP Wayne Long. “Canada’s infrastructure plan invests in thousands of projects, creates jobs, and builds cleaner, more inclusive communities.”

Long spoke for federal Infrastructure and Communities Minister Catherine McKenna.

The federal government is investing more than $8.6 million for this project through the Green Infrastructure Stream of the Investing in Canada program. The provincial government is providing more than $7.2 million through the Regional Development Corporation, while the Town of Rothesay is contributing more than $5.7 million.

“The Kennebecasis River is the most prominent physical feature of our town and its water quality must be of the highest quality for our residents and for the many others in the region who use it for recreation in all its many forms. The funds announced today will enable us to ensure the wastewater coming from Rothesay is as good or better quality than that in the river receiving it,” said Rothesay Mayor Nancy Grant. “We are very pleased to be investing along with the federal and provincial governments to ensure this wonderful resource is protected well into the future and we thank the other orders of government for their support to our community in this green project.”