NLIS 3
April 13, 2000
(Municipal and Provincial Affairs)

The following statement was issued by Joan Marie Aylward, Minister of Municipal and Provincial Affairs. It was also read in the House of Assembly:

I am pleased to report to members today, that we have approved funding, through Disaster Financial Assistance Program, to repair damages caused by a storm surge on the south coast of our province earlier this year. This action is part of the $4.3 million commitment made by our government in this year�s budget. A portion of this funding will be recovered on application to the federal government.

In Trepassey, $242,000 has been approved to restore damages to a sea wall and two sanitary sewer outfalls to pre-storm conditions. In Bay de Verde, $125,000 has been approved to make repairs to a damaged outfall. Mr. Speaker, we are also continuing to work with other eligible communities that are seeking funding to repair damages caused by the storm surge.

More damage was done last month in the communities of Belleoram, St. Jacques-Coombs Cove, Cupids, Brigus Sunnyside, Clarkes Beach and Colliers. Heavy rains caused flooding which damaged roads and infrastructure. I am also pleased today to inform members that government has provided $61,000 in emergency funding for Belleoram to help repair the immediate damages in that community.

In Belleoram, damage occurred in three locations: in the Church Road drainage area where two culverts across Church Road and a culvert across the main road were completely blocked; along the road leading to an abandoned school, including debris on the property; and along a section of Main Street where the shoulder of the road washed away. This $61,000 funding, which was requested by the Town Council of Belleoram, has ensured that blocked culverts were cleared and the integrity of the roads in question were maintained.

Assessment of non-emergency damages have been completed in many of these same areas. The department has worked with all communities to assess the needed repairs and required funding for these communities will be given high priority under the Municipal Capital Works Program.

2000 04 13                                                     2:40 p.m.