Canada-Newfoundland Infrastructure Program funding for Garnish

The town of Garnish will receive funding for work on the community�s water and sewer system under phase II of the Canada-Newfoundland Infrastructure Program(CNIP).

Municipal and Provincial Affairs Minister Oliver Langdon and Gerry Byrne, Minister of State for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), announced the approval of 125 CNIP projects in 108 communities as part of a multi-year agreement that is cost-shared between the Government of Canada, the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador and municipalities. Of the $35.6 million committed to the program this year, the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador will contribute $17.5 million. The federal government will contribute one third of the individual project costs for a total of $11.8 million, and municipalities, $6.2 million. CNIP is a five-year agreement, jointly funded by the three levels of government which focuses on green infrastructure such as water and sewer servicing and upgrading, water treatment and waste water management.

Judy Foote, MHA for the District of Grand Bank and Minister of Education, said: "It is imperative we have access to funds to strengthen and improve our water quality and waste management facilities. Projects which upgrade our chlorination systems, water disinfection systems and sewer systems are essential to the health and well-being of everyone in the province. The town of Garnish will now benefit from this program to see significant work completed on its water and sewer system. The provincial government has committed $304,178, the federal government, $190,111 and the town itself will contribute $76,045."

The program allows communities throughout Newfoundland and Labrador to partner with the provincial and federal governments at a cost-sharing ratio of 50/50, up to 90/10. CNIP will see a total of $153.7 million invested into the municipal infrastructure of Newfoundland and Labrador.

Media contact: Catherina Kennedy, Communications, (709) 729-0048.

2002 06 14                             2:45 p.m.