Approvals for Crab Worker Support Program reach $3.3 million mark

The Department of Municipal and Provincial Affairs today provided an update reflecting new funding for projects which have been approved under the Crab Worker Support Program.

"This program continues to support diverse projects which will show immediate improvements to communities, while supporting crab industry workers who require employment assistance," stated Jack Byrne, Minister of Municipal and Provincial Affairs. "We are pleased with the improvements which will be made to tourism and recreational sites, infrastructure, and general maintenance and will help to showcase the natural beauty of communities across the province."

New projects and increases to funding approved total approximately $170,000 and include restoration, repair and infrastructure work on community property, recreational areas, and beautification projects. A complete list of approved funding includes:

• $7,800 increase to Badger's Quay Cape Freels Development Association for property restoration (total project value $30,100);
• $1,700 increase to Birchy Bay to enhance and extend swimming and park area (total project value $40,200);
• $3,100 increase to Black Tickle for community clean-up (total project value $119,000);
• $3,300 increase to Bonavista in support of beach clean-up (total project value $38,200);
• $1,700 increase to Brigus to shingle fire hall and river wall (total project value $28,100);
• $2,100 increase to Brigus South Harbour Authority in support of shelter construction on public wharf (total project value $8,300);
• $2,100 increase to Cape Broyle for community maintenance (total project value $8,300);
• $2,100 increase to Carmanville Habitat Committee in support of work on the wetland nature park (total project value $16,600);
• $2,100 increase to Cartwright for repairs to cemeteries, fencing and picnic tables (total project value $59,000);
• $4,100 increase to Deadman's Bay for construction of access road to beach (total project value $11,400);
• $4,100 increase to Comfort Cove-Newstead to replace bird sanctuary, boardwalk and gazebo (total project value $55,600);
• $2,100 increase to Ferryland Colony of Avalon Foundation for archaeology assistants, restoration and maintenance (total project value $10,400);
• $2,100 to Fogo Island for general labourer at stadium and for administrative support;
• $9,300 increase to Gaskiers-Point La Haye to upgrade local roads (total project value $61,200);
• $2,100 increase to Grates Cove Cabot Rock Heritage for fishing stages and cookhouse (total project value $47,200;
• $2,100 increase to Greenspond for additional work on walking trail (total project value $40,500);
• $4,100 to Harbour Breton for maintenance to RV site and general town clean-up;
• $22, 800 increase to Little Bay Islands for town building maintenance and various projects (total project value $87,100);
• $1,700 to Little Burnt Bay and Embree Snowmobile Trail for repairs and maintenance of snowmobile trail (total project value $7,400);
• $4,100 increase to Mary's Harbour for lighthouse restoration and trail development (total project value $136,900);
• $2,100 increase to Musgrave Harbour Historical Trust Inc. in support of work on boardwalk and walking trail (total project value $56,000);
• $5,700 increase to Old Perlican in support of community centre, recreation complex and museum (total project value $20,200);
• $2,100 increase to Port Rexton for repairs to the fire hall (total project value $2,600);
• $2,100 increase to Portugal Cove South Cape Race-PCS Heritage Inc. for maintenance work and interpreters (total project value $ 8,500);
• $1,000 to Port Union to enhance the national historic district;
• $2,100 to Raleigh to support the purchase and installation of garage door and repair of fire station;
• $4,100 increase to Renews for maintenance to the community centre and recreation complex (total project value $14,500);
• $10,400 increase to St. Lawrence Area Trail Association Inc. to support upgrade of the existing ATV and snowmobile trail (total project value $47,700);
• $7,300 increase to St. Lewis to construct a marina (total project value $8,300);
• $9,300 increase to St. Mary's to upgrade local roads (total project value $16,600);
• $2,100 increase to St. Vincent's-St. Stephen's-Peter's River for fisherman�s museum and fire department (total project value $7,300);
• $6,200 increase to Summerford in support of maintenance to fisherman buildings, guide rails and boat haul (total project value $22,300);
• $4,100 increase to Too Good Arm to support maintenance to walkway, ski trail and playground (total project value $8,000);
• $1,000 increase to Trepassey Management Corporation to restore and enhance municipal structure and roads (total project value $31,400);
• $5,700 increase to Upper Island Cove Come Home Year Committee for the construction of a playground (total project value $10,900);
• $6,200 increase to Victoria for renovations to municipal structures , fire halls and parks (total project value $52,700);
• $9,800 increase to Western Bay North Shore Regional Development Association for repairs to various community facilities (total project value $76,300);
• $4,100 increase to Witless Bay for trail cutting, and grooming of tourist destinations (total project value $10,400).

The Crab Workers Support Program was introduced as a one-time support initiative by government in June 2005 to help address employment shortfalls and assist the approximately 8,500 crab workers in the province negatively impacted by the late start of this year�s crab fishery. The support program is being managed by the Department of Municipal and Provincial Affairs, and works with non-profit community based organizations, municipal councils, service groups and government and development agencies as project sponsors and project managers. The rate of pay established for the program has been set at $8.50 per hour.

Further information on the Crab Support Program can be obtained by calling toll free 1-866-508-5500. Application information and program guidelines are posted on the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador website at //www.mpa.gov.nl.ca/mpa.

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

2005 09 30                             3:10 p.m.