The following is being distributed at the request of Gerald Smith, MHA-Port au Port:

Municipal infrastructure projects announced for District of Port au Port

Gerald Smith, MHA - Port au Port, is pleased to announce approval of funding in the amount of $1,011,768 for capital works programs for this year.

Several communities in the district will benefit from this funding; the Town of Cape St. George, Town of Lourdes, LSD Mainland, Town of Port au Port East, Town of Port au Port West and Fox Island River.

Funding was approved under the Canada-Newfoundland Infrastructure Program as well as the provincial Capital Works Program. This year's priority has been given to administering funding for water supplies.

"I am certain this infrastructure funding will be well received by the communities and I am delighted to associate myself with such a positive announcement," Mr. Smith said.

Infrastructure projects are cost-shared between the province, municipality and federal government, with each sharing one third of the cost, determined in accordance with a new cost sharing arrangement that has the province paying the larger portion of the total cost for projects in many smaller communities.

The program is administered by the Department of Municipal and Provincial Affairs and the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency . The program will mean a total investment in Newfoundland and Labrador of $153.7 million over five years.

"This funding is serving to stimulate and accelerate economic activity and contribute, in a significant way, to government's plan to revitalize communities throughout Newfoundland and Labrador, particularly in the rural areas of the province," Mr. Smith said.

Media contact: Garry Callahan , (709) 729-4062.

2001 06 18                                                       11:45 a.m.