The federal government's announcement of funding an upgrade to the water pollution control facility this past August could not accompany the announcement of the province's part due to a media blackout during the election campaign period. The province joined in to celebrate that news and share its part on Tuesday of this week.

Premier Brian Pallister spoke at the facility.

"We are poised for sustainable growth that is environmentally responsible," says Pallister. "That is what we're celebrating today as we announce $61.1 million provincial contribution toward the upgrade of the City of Portage la Prairie's water pollution control facility. Congratulations!"

He notes cooperation made it all come together.

"This announcement today about the water treatment expansion and improvements means we're going to do the right thing for future generations, too," continues Pallister. "So, it's really an exciting partnership. It couldn't have happened without the cooperative efforts of our rural, municipal, and city councils, and us working effectively with the federal government in partnership."

Pallister says the province is committed to develop this project further which will retain good jobs and opportunities in the province.

"$61-million is the provincial share, and the total project is a very, very significant investment of taxpayer dollars. But it should be understood that this is going to lead to further employment opportunities. McCain, of course, is fortifying its commitments and its investment. Roquette, the new processing facility there, is going to be a tremendous addition. We're looking at some of the first real significant growth in jobs and population in Manitoba in almost a century now. And that development is really exciting. But again, I would emphasize, we're doing it by respecting the environment and we're doing it with a respectful process. It's taken some time. It's an expensive process to hear from people and hear their concerns. But we've listened and we've acted on what we heard, and now we're going forward together for people who all care about today, but we also care about tomorrow, too."

Portage City Waterworks Committee chair Wayne Wall notes he recalls Mayor MacKenzie's statement, four mayors ago, saying, "When the day comes when we have to do nutrient removal, the city will do their share." Wall says this is now taking place.

Mayor Irvine Ferris says it's vital for Portage.

"This was a significant announcement. This was a long time coming," says Ferris. "Certainly it's been talked about and planned for a long, long time. This funding from the province is really, really important to make this project move ahead. We're really looking forward to real progress on the project now."

Minister of Central Services and MLA for Brandon West Reg Helwer MC'd the event.

"It was very good to see our partnership with the City and the RM, of course, and the federal government all come together to create this benefit for all of Manitoba, basically. It's been a while coming."

 Story from August 2019: Click Here