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$15.3M in funding announced for the Highway 104 Paqtnkek Interchange Project

October 23, 2017  By Infrastructure Canada


October 23, 2017 – Modern, public infrastructure is key to supporting the unique needs of First Nations communities. The governments of Canada and Nova Scotia are investing in well-planned road infrastructure that will contribute to building more efficient transportation corridors and supporting sustainable and inclusive First Nations communities for years to come.

Rodger Cuzner, Member of Parliament for Cape Breton—Canso, on behalf of the Honourable Amarjeet Sohi, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities; and the Honourable Lloyd Hines, Nova Scotia Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal, today announced up to $15.3 million in federal-provincial funding for the Highway 104 Paqtnkek Interchange Project. The federal government is contributing over $6.4 million through the Building Canada Fund – Major Infrastructure Component (BCF-MIC), with the Government of Nova Scotia providing up to $8.9 million.

“The Government of Canada is working in close partnership with the province of Nova Scotia to ensure we make smart infrastructure investments that help grow the economy, promote sustainable development and increase public safety. By supporting the development of important transportation infrastructure, like Highway 104 and the Paqtnkek Interchange, we help create increased opportunities for Paqtnkek Mi’kmaw Nation and area residents,” stated Cuzner.

“Today’s provincial and federal investment will help improve safe access to the Paqtnkek reserve. The new interchange will also create economic opportunities by providing access to the land for residential expansion and commercial development,” added Hines.

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This collaborative project, in partnership with the Paqtnkek Mi’kmaw Nation, involves the construction of a large diamond interchange, including new north and south connector roads and highway underpass. These improvements will significantly reduce travel times for residents of the Paqtnkek community, and increase safety and traveller mobility to and from Highway 104. Most importantly, the new interchange will provide improved 100 Series highway access to Reserve lands that were previously disconnected from the highway.

“The Highway 104 interchange project represents a true partnership between the Crown and Paqtnkek Mi’kmaw Nation. This relationship of trust and mutual support will ensure a legacy of growth and opportunity for our community and beyond,” said Paul (PJ) Prosper, Chief of Paqtnkek Mi’kmaw Nation.


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