April 24, 2008

Construction association praises infrastructure plan for First Nations communities

PATRICIA WILLIAMS

staff writer

The federal government’s planned $330 million investment in a First Nations water and wastewater action plan has been applauded by the Canadian Construction Association (CCA).

The plan provides in part for:

• Undertaking a national assessment of water and wastewater systems in First Nations communities to establish a long-term investment strategy, expected to be completed in 2009.

• Establishment of clear standards to guide First Nations in the planning, design and operations of water and wastewater systems.

Investments in water and wastewater facilities are also part of the package. The federal governement will fund construction and upgrading of infrastructure systems on reserves.

However, the amount of funding has not been specified.

CCA spokesman Jeff Morrison, secretary to the Roadbuilders & Heavy Construction Council, said the strategy incorporates two council objectives: development of a national water quality standard and targeted infrastructure investment.

“Given that there are a lot of First Nations communities that do not have systems that meet specified water quality standards, this will likely mean that there will be a fair amount of work coming out for companies involved in this type of construction.”

The $330 million is to be invested over two years.

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