Environment Minister David Anderson announces $3.4 million for community environmental projects.

Over $185,000 for Nova Scotia Projects

HALIFAX – May 23, 2002 – Environment Minister David Anderson today announced the commitment of $3.4 million in funding for 113 environmental projects in communities across Canada. In Nova Scotia, 7 projects were approved for a total commitment of $185,716.

"These projects, conceived of and led by non-profit community organizations, will result in cleaner air and water, the protection of critical wildlife habitat and the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions across Canada", said Minister Anderson. "Anyone seeking an indication of the depth of commitment that Canadians have to protecting and enhancing their natural environment need look no farther than these exemplary community leaders."

The funding comes from Environment Canada’s EcoAction Community Funding Program, an initiative designed to help locally-based, non-profit organizations undertake environmental projects.

Funded projects in Nova Scotia include:

• A water conservation and protection program in the Cape Breton Regional Municipality to reduce water consumption,
• A clean boating initiative in Lunenburg Co. to build and promote the use of a pump out facility to deal with onboard sewage,
• Naturalizing the schoolground at the Musquodoboit Harbour Elementary School to create an outdoor Eco-classroom.

To be eligible for EcoAction funding, projects must result in positive, measurable environmental benefits and build public awareness of priority environmental issues such as air quality, climate change, water quality and species at risk. The projects must also respond to community needs and obtain matching funding or in-kind support from other sponsors. Submission deadlines for proposals to the EcoAction program are February 1st and October 1st of each year.