Update on municipal capital works projects

Municipal and Provincial Affairs Minister, Jack Byrne, has announced municipal capital works projects valued at approximately $66 million.

"We have been reviewing our capital project list over the past few months and are now in a position to release these projects," said the Minister. "Some of these projects were tentatively committed in 2003, and funding is now being confirmed."

The 2004-05 capital works program will include:

• Approximately $17 million under the Canada/Newfoundland Infrastructure Program to be cost-shared by federal, provincial and municipal governments. The provincial government�s share of costs is estimated at $8.6 million. Federal government approval will be required for these projects.
• Approximately $12.5 million, under the Municipal Capital Works Program to be cost-shared by provincial and municipal governments. The provincial Government�s contribution is estimated at $7.5 million.
• 2004 is the final year of the present Multi-Year Capital Works Program valued at approximately $110 million, cost-shared by provincial and municipal governments. The provincial share is $55 million.

"In addition to the projects being announced at this time, work would also be continuing on a number of projects which were started in 2002 or 2003, and are scheduled for completion in 2004," Minister Byrne added. "The total value of all work to be done in 2004 is in the range of $100 million and will have significant economic benefits. This government is reconfirming its commitment to our province�s capital works needs and its overall infrastructure strategy."

Specific announcements will be forthcoming over the next few days.

Media contact: Vanessa Colman-Sadd, Communications, (709) 729-1983

2004 06 30                                      12:50 p.m.