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Capital works roundtables Jack Byrne, Minister of Municipal and Provincial Affairs, announced today that the department will be hosting a series of roundtable meetings to discuss municipal capital funding. These meetings will be held in Gander at the Gander Hotel on February 9, Corner Brook at the Glynmill Inn on February 16, and in St. John�s at the Holiday Inn on February 23. The roundtables will focus on the administration of provincially-funded capital projects from the announcement to construction to identify opportunities for improvement. As well, administrative models from other provinces will be reviewed to determine if they could be applied to the province. "How the department administers its capital works funding is one of the key areas of discussion every time I meet with municipalities and stakeholder groups," said Minister Byrne. "I recognize that there is room for improvement to make these programs more efficient and effective. It is my hope that through open and constructive discussion, we can improve how we deliver the Municipal Capital Works Program and the Multi-Year Capital Works Program." One area which the department has seen as room for improvement is earlier announcements. This was the key reason behind last November�s announcement when Minister Byrne announced $140 million in new funding prior to Budget 2005. "Earlier announcements mean earlier start dates for construction which in turn translate into better prices. Previously, projects would not be announced until late spring or early summer so construction did not start until the fall. I had heard on many occasions that this practice had to change," added Minister Byrne. Municipal infrastructure plays an important role in growing the economy of Newfoundland and Labrador. The recent capital works announcement will total 90,000 person weeks of employment. That kind of job creation helps stimulate the economy and will have an impact on the future of Newfoundland and Labrador especially in rural areas where it is most needed. Invitations for the roundtable meetings have been sent to various municipalities, consultants, contractors, the Department of Environment and Conservation and the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency. It is expected that each roundtable will consist of 40 to 50 people. "I am eager to hear what will come out of each meeting. I know that there is a quicker and easier way to get capital works funding to municipalities and I believe that these meetings are the first step to achieving that goal," said Minister Byrne. Media contact: Vanessa Colman-Sadd, Communications, (709) 729-1983, 682-6593 2005 01 20 10:10 a.m. |
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