The following statement was issued today by Jack Byrne, Minister of Municipal and Provincial Affairs. It was also read in the House of Assembly:

Capital works announcement

I am pleased to announce today that the tenders for municipal capital works projects are projected to exceed $100 million in 2004.

Approximately 260 capital works projects across Newfoundland and Labrador, at a total cost of about $100 million, will create up to 60,000 person-weeks of direct and indirect employment. These projects are providing residents of our province with important employment and it will help strengthen the economy of Newfoundland and Labrador.

Pprojects are funded under the Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Infrastructure Program, the Municipal Capital Works Program, the Multi-Year Capital Works Program as well as the Labrador Inuit Communities Agreement. The provincial government will contribute approximately $52 million toward completion of these projects. Municipal governments will contribute about $38 million, with the balance of $10 million to be funded by the federal government.

Projects under the cost-sharing programs include water treatment, water and sewer services, waste management, paving, improvements to municipal buildings, fire fighting equipment and recreation. These projects will improve the quality of life for our residents and they will help make our municipalities vibrant and strong.

Iin addition, the province remains committed to the St. John�s Harbour Clean-up. The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador has committed one third of the $93 million for the project. The remainder of the funding will be cost-shared between the federal government and the City of St. John�s, the City of Mount Pearl and the Town of Paradise.

2004 05 13                                         2:05 p.m.