$35,834 in funding support announced under Crab Workers Support Program

The Department of Municipal Affairs today provided an update on projects approved under the province�s Crab Workers Support Program, and announced $35,834 in funding approvals.

�This program was introduced to provide short-term employment opportunities for displaced crab workers,� stated Municipal Affairs Minister Jack Byrne. �The efforts of these workers have resulted in significant development of infrastructure and economic development initiatives. I congratulate these workers for the positive long-term impact their labours will have on communities across Newfoundland and Labrador.�

The program has approved $34,779 to provide increased funding support for previously-approved projects located in Black Tickle, Bonavista, Brighton, Comfort Cove-Newstead, Deadman�s Bay, Englee, Newville, Salmon Cove, Seldom, Small Point-Broad Cove-Black Head-Adam�s Cove, St. Vincent-St. Stephen�s-Peter�s River, Summerford, Upper Island Cove and Western Bay.

New funding has been granted for the following:

• $1,055 to the Town of Kippens for renovations to the community centre;

"This funding allocated to the Town of Kippens under the Crab Workers Support Program is certainly welcome," said Port au Port MHA Jim Hodder. "The planned renovations of the community centre will be of benefit to the entire community and will provide necessary short-term employment for people in the area."

Further information on the Crab Workers 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 Web site at //www.mpa.gov.nl.ca/mpa.

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

2005 12 09                      2:15 p.m.