Community Enhancement Program investment of $245,000 supports practical work initiatives

Jack Byrne, Minister of Municipal and Provincial Affairs, today announced that financial support valued at $245,000 has been approved under the province�s Community Enhancement Program which will support work initiatives for the districts of Lake Melville, Gander, Baie Verte, Ferryland, Exploits and Conception Bay South.

"The projects awarded under the Community Enhancement Program support government�s commitment to encourage economic growth opportunities for both urban and rural areas of the province. Through this program, substantial investments are being made to encourage new development, practical enhancements to communities and improve current infrastructure," stated Minister Byrne. "We remain focused on supporting proposals which will offer lasting benefit to communities, and the need to create an environment which promotes the long term viability and growth of communities, and supports opportunity for the province to prosper."

The program supports work initiatives by financially contributing to projects which provide employment support to residents of the province who may require additional work hours. Proposals which have been approved and are included in today's announcement include the following:

• The Labrador Friendship Centre located in the District of Lake Melville will receive $22,900 to support structural repairs and services to seniors.
   
• Projects approved for Gander total $19,600 and include $15,600 for the Airport Nordic Ski Club to upgrade ski trails and parking lot, and $4,000 to the Gander and Area Chamber of Commerce for completion of trails
   
• A total of $40,000 has been approved for Baie Verte proponents and includes $5,000 to Smith's Harbour Recreation Committee to contribute to the build of storage shed, $5,000 to the Town of Woodstock to build fire hall, $8,000 to the Town of La Scie and the La Scie Recreation Committee to develop and improve sporting and recreation facilities, $5,000 to the Town of Fleur de Lys to improve dumpsite and brush cutting, $6,000 to the Town of Coachman's Cove to install public washroom facilities, $6,000 to the Town of Burlington to upgrade Indian Well and trail, and $5,000 to the Town of Brent's Cove to replace shingles and siding on town office.
   
• Ferryland has received a total of $100,000 for projects which include $30,000 to the Town of Renews for brush cutting, $40,000 to Southern Avalon Development Association for community clean-up and maintenance, and $30,000 to the Town of Ferryland for trail development and repairs to historic structure.
   
• Proposals approved for Exploits total $52,000 and include $14,000 to Leading Tickles and Glover's Harbour Fisherpersons to renovate fish plant, $8,000 to Moores Cove Fisherman's Committee to replace main slipway, $5,000 to the Town of Point of Bay for wharf repairs, $5,000 to Your Strength is Our Strength Club for improvements to centre and programs, $6,000 to Knights of Columbus to repair building, $4,000 to the Town of Northern Arm to build washroom and maintenance to recreation building, $5,000 to Botwood Interfaith Goodwill Centre Inc. for building renovations, and $5,000 to the Town of Point Leamington for brush cutting, and various maintenance work.
   
• Conception Bay South will receive $10,500 in support of projects which include $4,000 to the Town of Holyrood to upgrade existing trail, $5,000 to St. Peter's Anglican Church for construction and renovation to cemetery, and $1,500 to 1st CBS Group Committee of Scouts Canada to refurbish camp building

"While this program cannot respond to all needs, it does assist with worthwhile infrastructure support to areas which require financial assistance to complete work and make improvements to facilities, roads, and general maintenance," added Minister Byrne. "We recognize the need is great, and continue to work within our means to support work which offers great value for the dollars invested."

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

2005 10 27 1                                   2:05 p.m.