MCADAM (CNB) – A newly improved sports field was officially opened today as a result of a combined investment of $302,000 by the three levels of governments.

"This community sports field is an important project for McAdam and area," said York MLA Carl Urquhart. "Today's announcement shows the importance of maintaining infrastructure in all corners of our province, including rural New Brunswick."

Urquhart was representing Economic Development Minister Paul Robichaud.

The project involved upgrading and repairing the sports field. This included enlarging the field; improving and expanding the drainage system; adding a fence; and raising the surface height of the field.

"Our government recognizes the importance of creating essential recreational infrastructure for communities such as McAdam," said National Revenue Minister Keith Ashfield. "Our investment through Canada's Economic Action Plan has helped repair and upgrade the sports field and improve the community's recreation infrastructure while supporting local jobs."

Ashfield is also the minister of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) and minister for the Atlantic Gateway

"Thanks to the financial support of several partners, the McAleenan Sports Field located adjacent to McAdam High School will be enhanced as a multipurpose field to offer all sports enthusiasts state-of-the art facilities for competitive play as well as for recreational use," said McAdam Mayor Frank Carroll. "This is a great improvement of services for our village."

The federal government, through ACOA, contributed $102,000 under the Recreational Infrastructure Canada (RInC) program. The provincial government, through the Regional Development Corporation and School District 18, invested $125,000, while the Village of McAdam contributed $75,000.

Canada's Economic Action Plan is providing $500 million over two years for the RInC program to support the upgrading and renewal of recreational facilities in communities. The RInC program, which concludes on March 31, 2011, is delivered in Atlantic Canada by ACOA.

12-11-10