Minister announces recipients of funds through the Intervener Funding Program

Mines and Energy Minister, Lloyd Matthews, today announced the recipients of funds through the Intervener Funding Program. The program, which had up to $100,000 in total available funds, was put in place to financially assist individuals or groups who may not otherwise have been able to make a meaningful intervention during the White Rose Development Application public review process.

The intervener funding grants are as follows:

• Women in Resource Development Committee $4,375.00
• Sue Kelland-Dyer & Carl Powell $5,000.00
• Natural History Society of Newfoundland and Labrador $12,000.00
• The former Terra Nova Environmental Assessment Panel $5,000.00
• Newfoundland and Labrador Wildlife Federation Inc. $12,000.00
• Friends of Gas Onshore (FOGO) $56,625.00
• Town of Marystown $5,000.00

Minister Matthews said, "I am pleased with the level of interest shown in the White Rose Development Application public review process. The recipients of the intervener funding represent a broad cross section of interests and will deal with a variety of issues of importance to the public and the public review process."

Recipients will be required to sign contribution agreements to ensure the funds are properly accounted for and dedicated to the intended purpose of the program.

Minister Matthews also thanked the selection committee consisting of Mr. John Fleming, Mr. Cyril McCormick and Mr. Charles Lester for their work on this project. "I am very pleased with the work of the committee and accept their recommendations as submitted. I would like to thank them for their in-depth and expedient review of the applications which will allow recipients the maximum time possible to prepare their presentations," said Minister Matthews.

Media contact: Tara Laing, Communications, (709) 729-4890.

2001 05 28                                                             11:25 a.m.