RIVERVIEW (GNB) – The federal and provincial governments are investing a combined $45.2 million into improvements to the TransAqua Wastewater Treatment Facility, which serves the communities of Moncton, Riverview and Dieppe.

The remaining $45.2 million for the project will be provided by TransAqua, which was formerly known as the Greater Moncton Wastewater Commission.

“Targeting smart infrastructure investments to produce long-term prosperity and strengthen communities will have a lasting positive impact on the quality of life of all residents,” said Treasury Board President Roger Melanson. “Our government’s investment in this important wastewater treatment facility project will improve the management of combined sewer overflows and help us better protect our environment.”

Melanson spoke on behalf of Post-Secondary Education, Training and Labour Minister Donald Arseneault, who is also minister responsible for the Regional Development Corporation.

“The federal government recognizes that wastewater treatment infrastructure is essential to maintaining clean waterways and building sustainable communities,” said Moncton-Riverview-Dieppe MP Ginette Petitpas Taylor. “We are committed to collaborating with our regional partners to ensure communities have the strong infrastructure foundation they need to develop their economies and grow the middle class. It is thanks to projects like this that we will build the Canada of the 21st century and ensure a high quality of life for generations to come.”

Petitpas Taylor attended the event for Infrastructure and Communities Minister Amarjeet Sohi.

The project involves adding a secondary level of wastewater treatment to allow the facility to meet current standards of the federal Wastewater Systems Effluent Regulations and reduce the amount of waste being released into regional waterways.

Residents of Riverview, Moncton and Dieppe will benefit from a more reliable shared wastewater system and cleaner water in the Petitcodiac River. The river is used for boating and other activities by residents and tourists.

“Due to the collaboration between TransAqua and all levels of government, who have made this major Wastewater Treatment Upgrade and Modernization Project the highest priority regional infrastructure project in the Greater Moncton area, this funding will allow TransAqua to comply with the Canadian Environmental Protection Act and the Fisheries Act by the end of 2020,” said David Muir, chair of TransAqua. “This funding announcement will enhance the protection of the Petitcodiac River with a goal for our effluent to meet the Guidelines for Canadian Recreational Water Quality, improve public health and safety, stabilize the wastewater treatment rate and stimulate the economy through the construction sector including ongoing post-construction service industry work.”