Government Home Search Sitemap Contact Us

April 24, 1997
(Municipal and Provincial Affairs)

Extended Infrastructure Works Agreement
 invests close to $31 million in 94 projects throughout province

1997 promises to be a busy year throughout Newfoundland and Labrador. Some 94 projects to upgrade municipal infrastructure will be undertaken and will include the installation of water and sewer lines, road building and the construction of recreational facilities. These projects - which are subject to an environmental screening - are part of the extended Canada/Newfoundland Infrastructure Works Agreement.

The projects were jointly announced today by Fred Mifflin, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans on behalf of Marcel Masse, Minister Responsible for Infrastructure, and by Art Reid, Minister of Municipal and Provincial Affairs for the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador. The extended agreement will see close to $31 million invested to upgrade municipal infrastructure. It is estimated that the projects will create 352 short term jobs.

"Roads, public buildings and water and sewer systems - things like these are the essentials," said Mr. Mifflin. "Infrastructure is what makes things possible, what encourages economic activity and jobs. Industry is more likely to expand and businesses prosper if there is a municipal water system or a reliable power supply. Better roads mean more tourists and the more efficient movement of goods. So when we invest in infrastructure we are investing in our future."

"This agreement give us the best of both worlds," said Mr. Reid. "It provides the public works which improve the quality of life throughout the province and it provides employment, both directly, in the construction industry, and indirectly in the trades and supply industries. It is almost four years since we entered into the original Infrastructure Works Agreement and it has proven to be a huge success. I am delighted it is continuing for another year."

The agreement's 94 projects are spread over every part of the province. Included is the construction of a new town centre and fire hall in West St. Modeste, Labrador; a new water supply in Kippens; a regional community centre in Carbonear; new ice plant equipment in Triton; and harbour clean-up work in St. John's.

The original Canada/Newfoundland Infrastructure Works Agreement invested $147.5 million in 277 projects throughout the province. These created more than 2,400 construction jobs and an estimated 500 permanent jobs. Approximately half of these projects modernized water and sewer systems, while others were dedicated to transportation or other community-related purposes.

Tenders for the 94 new projects will be called as soon as possible. The intention is to complete all projects within this year.

The Canada/Newfoundland Infrastructure Works Agreement is cost- shared by the federal, provincial and municipal governments. The agreement is administered for the federal government by the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency and for the provincial government by the Department of Municipal and Provincial Affairs.

Contact:

• Gary Callahan
  Director of Communications
  Municipal and Provincial Affairs
  (709) 729-3142

  Randy Devine
  Director of Communications, ACOA
  (709) 772-2935
  
  NOTE TO EDITORS: A list of infrastructure projects will be available from the Communications and Consultation Branch on Friday morning, (709) 729-3610.