New money for infrastructure - air quality, roofs, windows

"I am pleased to announce that an additional $12 million has been allocated over a three-year period to address priority repairs and maintenance for existing schools, the principal focus being on air quality, roofs and windows," said Education Minister Judy Foote today.

This funding is in addition to the $125 million invested in school construction and remediation in 1998/99 - the single largest investment in education since Confederation.

"When we undertook to restructure the K-12 school system, we committed to providing our students with high quality education in a safe and comfortable environment. Today we renew that commitment. This new money will ensure the continuation of preventative maintenance in schools," added Minister Foote.

To date, seven new state-of-the-art schools have been constructed in Buchans, Gaultois, Hopedale, Nain, Norman Bay, Pollard�s Point, and Rigolet and planning and/or construction is underway for 10 more in Arnold�s Cove, Burgeo, Englee/Roddickton, Happy Valley/Goose Bay, Lethbridge/Musgravetown, New World Island, Plum Point, Pouch Cove/Flatrock, Lower Trinity South and Upper Trinity South.

Major renovations and extensions were completed in Baie Verte, Beachy Cove, Burnt Islands, Campbellton, Carbonear, Clarenville, Forteau, Gambo, Port au Port and St. Mary�s. Major renovations and extensions are planned or underway in Codroy Valley, Goulds, Mount Pearl, St. Georges, St. John�s, Torbay and Wesleyville. The value of the major renovations and extensions is approximately $26 million.

Media contact: Andrea Maunder, Communications, (709) 729-0048.

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