NLIS 1
May 9, 2002
(Municipal and Provincial Affairs)
 

Minister provides status update on capital works and infrastructure funding

Oliver Langdon, Minister of Municipal and Provincial Affairs, provided a status update today on the capital works and infrastructure funding that was announced in the provincial budget.

A total investment of $261 million will be made over the next three years through three programs.

"With this $261 million, we will see significant improvements in infrastructure and capital works for municipalities throughout this province. The funding committed for the next three years allows municipalities to look at long term goals and plan ahead," said Minister Langdon. "The three-pronged approach provides the opportunity for all municipalities, regardless of size, to access funding for necessary projects."

More than $100 million has been committed over three years for the Multi-Year Municipal Capital Works Program which will be cost-shared on a 50/50 basis with larger municipalities which have multi-year plans. Discussions are underway, with about 14 municipalities expected to participate in this program. Project details for each agreement will be available during the official signing with the respective municipality in the coming weeks.

Discussions are ongoing to determine a list of projects for the next three years under the Canada-Newfoundland Infrastructure Program. Projects approved under this program will be announced in accordance with the federal-provincial agreement. The $90 million allocated will be cost-shared between the federal ($30 million), provincial ($39 million) and municipal governments ($21 million).

Projects funded under the three year $63 million Municipal Capital Works Program will be cost-shared between the province and municipalities. The program will focus primarily on shorter term projects in rural areas of the province.

"Projects for this year�s Municipal Capital Works Program are expected to be announced in a few weeks. I recognize that it is essential for us to make the most of our short construction season, and will continue to work with municipalities to ensure that projects are announced and tenders are called in an efficient manner. With projects planned for three years we will be in a position to announce next year�s projects in the fall which will allow for even greater efficiency next year," said Minister Langdon.

Last year, the province initiated a new approach to ensuring the accessibility of infrastructure projects for all municipalities. "This year the province will continue to assist smaller communities in accessing important infrastructure projects that they would otherwise not be able to afford. In appreciating the need for major projects in areas with smaller tax bases, we will help these communities again this year by determining the municipal share through variable cost sharing guidelines."

Projects to be funded through the three programs will include water treatment, water/sewer servicing, waste management, paving, recreation, municipal buildings and fire fighting equipment.

Media contact: Lynn Hammond, Communications, (709) 729-1983.

2002 05 09                         11:55 a.m.


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