Province invests $1.9 million in capital works projects for District of Trinity North

Minister of Municipal Affairs Jack Byrne, today announced more than $1.9 million in funding under the provincial Municipal Capital Works Program for transportation, water and recreation infrastructure in the District of Trinity North.

�Improving infrastructure across Newfoundland and Labrador remains a high priority of this government,� said Minister Byrne. �We will continue to work with communities to help address infrastructure needs and strengthen services for residents.�

Improvements in services include:

• $517,000 for upgrading Manitoba Drive in Clarenville;
• $405,000 for engineering and design of multi-purpose arts and recreation facility. Construction on the $7.5 million complex is under consideration for 2007;
• $601,000 additional funding for construction of a water storage tank;
• $236,000 additional funding for Shoal Harbour River intake improvements and Andrews Pond dam and fishway;
• $133,000 for the upgrading of Shoal Harbour Bridge;
• $67,000 for new lift chairs for the White Hills Ski Facility.

�I am pleased to see this investment of nearly $2 million for various important initiatives in my district,� said Trinity North MHA Ross Wiseman. �There have been safety concerns associated with the Shoal Harbour Bridge and I am pleased we are carrying out the necessary upgrades to address these concerns. I am particularly excited about the funding to begin engineering and design work for a new multi-purpose arts and recreation facility to replace the aging Clarenville stadium. I am also very pleased that we are now able to move ahead with the water storage tank that will form an integral part of our new water treatment facility. I applaud the minister on his decision to make funding available for these worthwhile projects.�

Through the Municipal Capital Works Program, valued at $34.5 million for 2006-07, government supports municipal initiatives in water and wastewater systems, water management, roads, recreation, fire fighting equipment and municipal buildings.

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

2006 09 06                                    11:00 a.m.