NLIS 1
February 6, 2003
(Municipal and Provincial Affairs)

 

Minister anticipates busy year for Municipal Capital Works

Municipal and Provincial Affairs Minister, Oliver Langdon, is anticipating a busy year for municipal capital works in Newfoundland and Labrador.

"Last year, approximately $110 million was approved for capital works projects under various provincial, municipal and federal cost-shared programs," said the minister. "With design and engineering work completed, much of the actual construction work on these projects will get underway this spring and summer."

In addition, Minister Langdon expects to announce an additional $82 million worth of projects in the next few weeks. "This year we will be announcing new projects earlier, so that work can also get started during the spring and summer. The objective is to get as many projects started this construction season as possible."

The additional $82 million is spread among three programs:

Multi-Year Capital Works Program - An expenditure of approximately $37 million is expected under this program, which will be shared on a 50/50 basis between the province and participating municipalities.

Municipal Capital Works - An expenditure of $21 million is projected. These projects are also cost-shared between the province and municipalities. Under this program, the province will cover about 62 per cent of the total project costs.

Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Infrastructure Program - A $24 million expenditure is anticipated, cost-shared by provincial, federal and municipal governments. A list of approximately 80 projects was recently forwarded to the federal government for consideration. The province will cover about 51 per cent of project costs, with a 33 per cent contribution from the federal government and the balance from municipalities.

Mr. Langdon noted that very favourable cost-sharing arrangements are being offered to many municipalities by the provincial government. "Rather than burden smaller rural communities with unmanageable debt loads, the provincial government is picking up a larger share of project costs. In many cases, the province is covering 60, 70, 80 and sometimes 90 per cent, of the municipal share of capital costs."

Mr. Langdon stated that 2003 is the second year of the Department of Municipal and Provincial Affairs� 3-Year Capital Works Plan. "By the end of 2004, the total expenditure on municipal capital works and infrastructure will be approaching $275 million. An additional $93 million has been committed by all three levels of government for the St. John�s Harbour Clean-Up project."

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

2003 02 06                                        12:35 p.m.


SearchHomeBack to GovernmentContact Us


All material copyright the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador. No unauthorized copying or redeployment permitted. The Government assumes no responsibility for the accuracy of any material deployed on an unauthorized server.
Disclaimer/Copyright/Privacy Statement