Capital works investments highlight strong
commitment to improve community infrastructure throughout the province

The Department of Municipal and Provincial Affairs today announced a $2.1 million dollar investment to strengthen community infrastructure as part of the 2005/2006 Municipal Capital Works Program.

�Reliable infrastructure is important to ensure the long-term development and sustainability of municipalities throughout the province,� stated Minister Jack Byrne. �This funding demonstrates government�s dedication to fostering and supporting long-term economic growth for communities by strategically investing in a variety of capital projects to strengthen services for residents across the province.�

Initiatives announced are outlined below and include improvements to water treatment, water and sewer services, waste management, paving, and municipal buildings:

• $75,000 to repair and upgrade three existing outfalls in Winterton;
• $95,000 to Englee to provide assistance for technical work;
• $135,000 to Embree to upgrade pumphouse which will improve chlorination system, pump and filter system, and clean the watermain;
• $121,300 to Pouch Cove to supplement existing funding to complete upgrading and paving of Gully Road and include Newell Place;
• $50,000 for reinstatement of the outfall located in Bay Roberts;
• $7,300 to upgrade beach road in York Harbour;
• $400,000 to upgrade and pave various municipal roads in North West River;
• $170,000 for air relief valves and drinking water dispensing unit in St. Lawrence;
• $72,140 to upgrade artesian well in South Dildo;
• $300,000 for water and sewer project in Salmon Cove;
• $350,000 for sewage treatment facility in Buchans Junction;
• $324,000 to Jackson�s Arm for water reservoir and transmission main improvements.

The Municipal Capital Works Program is cost-shared on a 50/50 basis between the provincial government and larger municipalities. The program is designed to provide financial assistance to improve infrastructure for municipalities in the province. The provincial government has committed $85 million under the 2005-08 Multi-Year Capital Works Program.

�These projects will financially assist towns and communities to upgrade and improve services, and help municipalities provide better access to services for residents of the province,� added Minister Byrne. �Providing funding through infrastructure programs such as the Municipal Capital Works Program is important to ensure healthy, safe and sustainable communities throughout Newfoundland and Labrador.�

Media contact: Heather MacLean, Communications (709) 729-1983, 690-2498, heathermaclean@gov.nl.ca

2005 09 12                                             10:00 a.m.