NLIS 3
May 23, 2000
(Municipal and Provincial Affairs)

Funding approved to address storm damages

Joan Marie Aylward, Minister of Municipal and Provincial Affairs, is pleased to announce that, to date, funding totalling $1,231,000 has been approved for restoration of municipal infrastructure damages as a result of the storm surge which occurred in January of this year.

In Channel-Port aux Basques $407,349 is approved to finance the restoration of 16 sanitary sewer outfalls.

Two projects are approved for the Town of Ramea comprised of $86,756 to finance the restoration of the sea defence wall and $47,631 to finance the restoration of a walking trail.

In the Town of Point au Gaul a total of $310,082 is approved for the removal of wooden crib works and construction of several gabion sea walls and clean up of debris.

In Lamaline, $12,000 has been approved for general clean-up of debris from the storm.

These latest funding approvals are in addition to previously announced funding approvals of $125,000 for repairs to outfalls in Bay de Verde and $242,000 for breakwater repairs in Trepassey.

This funding is cost-shared by the province and the federal government through the Disaster Financial Assistance Agreement, and is part of the $4.3 million commitment made by government in this fiscal year�s budget.

"Officials of my department are continuing to work with the various municipalities, homeowners, engineering consultants and federal officials to finalize the assessment of damages and determine eligibility of claims for assistance under the Disaster Financial Assistance Agreement," said the minister. Further approvals will be forthcoming as the damage assessments are completed.

The minister said the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is pleased to work in partnership with the federal government in investing in programs that will help the province restore municipal infrastructure and residential property damages to pre-disaster conditions.

Media contact: Glenn Bruce, Communications, (709) 729-1983.

2000 05 23                                 12:00 p.m.