Highway ‘stars in alignment’ - MP

Keddy attended the “Building Canada” framework agreement announcement Nov. 9 in Antigonish.

The $634-million agreement between the federal and provincial governments is one of the biggest infrastructure investments Canada has seen in over 50 years, says Keddy.

An Antigonish bypass construction project is already receiving $50-million from the fund.

Although Keddy could not announce the upgrade from Broad River to Sable River will actually happen, he did say, “The stars are in alignment.”

Keddy describes this area of highway as one of the more dangerous sections. The winding highway has been the site of numerous accidents, injuries and some deaths over the past several years.

“I am optimistic that this will lead to major upgrades to the 103 Highway through the South Shore.”

Keddy says the stretch of highway from Broad River to Sable River is a priority.

Region of Queens Mayor John Leefe says this agreement is “excellent” for Nova Scotia.

The Building Canada Fund’s $33-billion infrastructure investment will focus on highways, wastewater systems, broadband Internet, public transit, and green energy.

The federal government has also extended the gas tax credit program to municipalities, adds Mayor Leefe.

For the Region of Queens, that means well over $1-million can be put towards water and sewer work.

The Brooklyn water and sewer project will continue further into Brooklyn after council sits down in April to discuss the budget for fiscal 2008/09.