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:
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. |
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