Quebec pledges $60M more to help rebuild Lac-Mgantic

The Quebec government on Sunday pledged an additional $60 million toLac-Mgantic to help with compensating victims and rebuilding the small town's downtown core.

Thirty-nine businesses in Lac-Mgantic's downtown core did not get destroyed when a train derailed and exploded in the centre of town on July 6, 2013.

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However, because they are located in the red zonecenteredaround where the train exploded, owners have not been able to operate their businesses.

Therefore, $37 million of the new money will go to these business owners, saidPierreMoreau, minister of municipal affairs and land occupancy.

He said an incentive will be given to people who want to rebuild their businesses inLac-Mgantic. For those who choose not to rebuild,Moreausaid they will be given compensation equal to their land's fair market value.

Government officials will meet with the 39businesses concerned this week.

According to Moreau,the money will be made available immediately.

MNA for MganticGhislain Bolducsaid the additional money was the government's way of showing that it continues to prioritize Lac-Mgantic's convalescence after a train derailed and exploded in the centre of town last summer.

The explosion killed 47 people.

The news release issued by the government said that the money is in response to the reality that current and existing programs to help the people of Lac-Mgantic are not sufficient.

Moreausaid Lac-Mgantic has so far received $409 million in government aid since disaster.