BAKER-BROOK (CNB) – Federal, provincial and municipal funding of more than $1.5 million was announced today to help the Village of Baker-Brook address the safety of its drinking water.
“Our government works regularly in partnership with the federal government and municipalities to deliver real results like this important project to improve the drinking water supply system,” said Madawaska-les-Lacs MLA Yvon Bonenfant. “Our investment will make a difference in the lives of the residents of Baker-Brook.”
Bonenfant attended the announcement on behalf of Economic Development Minister Paul Robichaud, and of Environment Minister Margaret-Ann Blaney.
“The investment announced today will give the residents of Baker-Brook access to better quality water,” said Bernard Valcourt, minister of state for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency and La Francophonie. “ The constant boil orders, and using water from the river, will soon be problems of the past. Projects like this not only help to improve the quality of life of residents, but also allow communities to support future economic development, which is a priority of our government.”
The project includes reconstructing two existing wells, which will be equipped with submersible pumps and connected to the current system. A third well and a new controls building for water disinfection will also be built. The upgrade will allow the village to fix recurring problems with its drinking water supply. A boil water order has been in effect in Baker-Brook since Jan. 3.
“The Village of Baker-Brook would like to thank the federal and provincial governments for this investment in our community,” said Baker-Brook Mayor Francine Caron. “This will allow the village to provide enough safe water to meet its current and future needs. We can now undertake the development and construction of a new well this spring. We anticipate that the work will be complete by September 2013.”
The federal and provincial governments will each invest $510,135 in the project. The Village of Baker-Brook will invest $510,137. Funding for the project is contingent upon completion of all contractual agreements, including a pending environmental impact assessment with the municipality.
16-01-12