The federal and provincial governments have announced funding to upgrade Moncton’s storm sewer system.
Funding of up to $8 million each was announced earlier today for storm sewer upgrades in various sites in the city.
MP for Moncton-Riverview-Dieppe Robert Goguen says this will enable the city to use their money elsewhere.
He says, “We’re freeing up money that the city would have put aside for this funding and then at their option, they can take their money and redirect it to the downtown centre.”
The maneuvering of funds has become necessary since under federal guidelines, federal dollars can’t be spent on building sports arenas.
Meantime, Deputy Mayor Shawn Crossman was thrilled with today’s funding announcement, but he says there is still one more step to go before officially moving on the downtown entertainment centre.
He says, “We have one more step to go. It’s a very important step to go in my eyes, and I’m hoping that we see some sort of movement from the feds as well as the province by the end of the summer, I’m hoping.”
Crossman wouldn’t reveal any other details of what the project is, but he did say it is for more improvements within the city of Moncton and it is one the is near and dear to his heart.
The mayor of Moncton is hopeful construction of the $107-million downtown centre will begin early next year at the site of the former Highfield Square.
