RIVIERE-DU-LOUP, QUEBEC--(Marketwire - July 31, 2012) - Jacques Gourde, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Public Works and Government Services, for Official Languages and for the Economic Development Agency for the Regions of Quebec and Member of Parliament for Lotbinière-Chutes-de-la-Chaudière, today announced the signing of a federal-provincial contribution agreement, awarding a financial contribution of up to $4,061,318 to the Société d'économie mixte d'énergie renouvelable (SÉMER) in Rivière-du-Loup area, as part of the Green Infrastructure Fund. In addition, the Government of Quebec will provide $11,478,342 in funding for a total joint contribution of $15,539,660.

"Our government is focused on creating jobs, growth and long-term prosperity. We are proud to provide financial support for infrastructure projects, such as the Rivière-du-Loup biomethanization project, which will help create jobs, protect the environment and provide economic opportunities for Quebecers," stated MP Gourde, on behalf of the Honourable Denis Lebel, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities.

The purpose of this organic waste management project in Rivière-du-Loup is to install a system to process residual organic matter in an efficient way, and, in turn, generate biomethane, a renewable fuel. The biomethane will serve as a lower-cost alternate fuel for municipalities and businesses in the Rivière-du-Loup region interested in converting their vehicles.

The project, which will cost a total of $27.6 million, will serve the regional county municipalities (MRCs) of Rivière-du-Loup, Kamouraska, Les Basques, La Haute-Gaspésie, La Mitis and La Matapédia. The new facilities will be built at the Rivière-des-Vases landfill site in Cacouna.

Green Infrastructure Fund

The Green Infrastructure Fond is an essential component of Canada's Economic Action Plan. It focuses on a number of priorities, such as improvements to wastewater treatment plans, the development of devices for the production and transportation of clean energy, and investment in hydroelectric, wind and solar energy. Clean energy infrastructure helps improve air quality and reduce carbon emissions.

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This news release is available online at: www.actionplan.gc.ca.