St. George�s-Stephenville East to receive $115,000 in Community Enhancement funding

Jack Byrne, Minister of Municipal and Provincial Affairs, along with Joan Burke, MHA for the District of St. George�s-Stephenville East, today announced that financial support of $115,000 has been awarded to a number of proponents in the District of St. George�s-Stephenville East for development and general maintenance initiatives which qualify under the province�s Community Enhancement Program.

"The Community Enhancement Program continues to play a major role in government�s efforts at economic development," stated Minister Byrne. These programs support labour initiatives in rural communities that realize lasting benefits and improve community infrastructure while providing assistance to individuals requiring employment."

Funding totaling $115,000 has been provided to the District of St. George�s-Stephenville East in support of the following initiatives:

• $35,000 to Bay St. George Area Development Association to enhance and improve community infrastructure;
• $25,000 to Codroy Valley Development Association to construct a wetlands trail and brush cutting;
• $10,000 to Snowmobile/ATV Rivers Association to construct wooden shelter and bathroom facilities;
• $10,000 to St. Kevin�s Community Centre/Mountain View Club for roof repairs and replacement of club house windows;
• $10,000 to the Town of Stephenville Crossing for various projects;
• $25,000 to the Town of St. George�s for trimming and grading of rail bed line.

"This is welcome news for my district of St. George�s-Stephenville East," stated Minister Burke. "What is especially pleasing is that so many communities took advantage of this opportunity. The worthwhile projects and short-term employment opportunities they bring with them will be spread throughout the district."

Additional information on the Community Enhancement Program can be found on //www.gov.nl.ca/mpa/enhancement/.

Media contact: John Tompkins, Communications, (709) 729-1983, 690-2498 or jtompkins@gov.nl.ca

2005 12 07                    11:20 a.m.