MAHONE BAY - It's a long and expensive list, but it's a start.

 So say officials in Mahone Bay who have come up with a range of infrastructure projects for an application to the federal and provincial governments under the Building Canada Fund.

 That program, announced in 2007, has targeted $111 million for six years to invest in municipal infrastructure.

 In 2008, Mahone Bay received $175,500 for water line upgrades on Long Hill Road and a computerized monitoring system for the town's sewer pumping stations.

 Council has now approved a list of six more projects. Topping the list is $360,000 for sewer main replacement and paving on Long Hill Road, work which should be done in conjunction with the water line.

 "Because we are about to probably go to tender on the water, we are going to have that road more torn apart than it already is. It's a mess now. I think we're going to have to make some difficult choices if we don't get some funding information back," Mayor Joe Feeney said.

 "We don't want to dig that road up a second time."

 The list also includes town hall improvements at a price tag of $120,000; replacement of public works and utilities facilities at $825,000; water and sewer main extension on Main Street for $280,000; water and sewer main replacement on part of Pleasant Street for $382,000; and reconstruction, paving and new curbs and sidewalks for that part of Pleasant at more than $300,000.

 "Hopefully we'll get some of those projects approved," the mayor said.

 At the same April 14 meeting where the application list was approved, CAO Jim Wentzell reported to council that the town recently received word that a couple of earlier funding applications had been approved.

 Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations has agreed to provide 50 per cent of the cost of recent upgrades to Mahone Bay's sewage pumping stations up to a total of $46,868.

advertisement

 The province will also provide about $40,000 to cover a cost overrun incurred in 2007 during the first phase of the water treatment project.

 All municipalities recently received word about unsolicited transit grants from the province. Mahone Bay's share is just over $5,200.

posted on 04/28/09