MIRAMICHI (GNB) – The provincial government is supporting environmental groups in the Miramichi region by contributing about $325,000 from the Environmental Trust Fund for 10 projects.

“The fund encourages excellent environmental initiatives that help build a better New Brunswick and benefit our province’s air, land and water resources,” said Tourism, Heritage and Culture Minister Bill Fraser. “With these investments we are also helping to grow the green economy and create jobs.”

Fraser spoke on behalf of Environment and Local Government Minister Brian Kenny.

The announcement was hosted by the City of Miramichi, who received $20,000 to undertake a flood mitigation investigation.

“We are pleased to have the opportunity to showcase our plans to improve downtown Miramichi,” said Mayor Gerry Cormier. “This is an important first step in addressing the ongoing flooding issues in the area and this funding makes it possible.”

The following organizations also received funding:

  • the Miramichi River Environmental Assessment Committee will receive $102,560 to undertake two projects: $82,560 to continue watershed stewardship and $20,000 to advance efforts to bring solar power to local homes and businesses through Renewables NB;
  • Regional Service Commission 5 will receive $30,000 to deliver workshops on backyard composting;
  • Friends of Beaubears Island will receive $9,000 for educational programming;
  • the Miramichi Salmon Association will receive $6,500 to enhance a cold-water thermal refuge for wild Atlantic salmon;
  • Comité Sauvons Nos Rivières Néguac will receive $40,000 to manage restoration efforts for Indian Brook and Godin Brook;
  • Anqotum Resource Management will receive $70,000 to monitor wood turtle habitat on the Little Southwest Miramichi River; and
  • the Tabusintac Watershed Association will receive $48,000 for two projects: $13,000 to promote the importance of maintaining wells and septic systems and $35,000 to implement methodologies to assess the health of the Tabusintac watershed.

“We are pleased to support local and regional projects that collectively work towards our common goal of protecting the environment for generations to come,” said Miramichi Bay-Neguac MLA Lisa Harris.

The Environmental Trust Fund provides assistance to community groups, organizations, municipalities and institutions for projects that produce tangible, measurable benefits to the environment.

A total of 207 projects valued at $6.5 million have been approved under the fund.

In addition, another $1.5 million has been set aside to support projects later in the year.

More information, including the list of approved projects and initiatives, is available on the Department of Environment and Local Government’s website.

 

30-05-16