Minister Announces $375,000 to Stephenville and Kippens for Waste Management

In recognition of the leadership shown by the Towns of Kippens and Stephenville in consolidating waste management and in closing the Kippens landfill, Municipal Affairs Minister Jack Byrne approved $375,000 to assist the communities in their efforts.

�The towns of Stephenville and Kippens are to be commended for this sharing of services for the benefit of both municipalities,� said Minister Byrne. �The funding announced today will allow the towns to more efficiently manage waste disposal. This financial support is part of our ongoing efforts to encourage municipalities to work together to deliver municipal services in a more efficient manner.�

In July, Kippens Mayor Wayne Ruth and Stephenville Mayor Tom O�Brien signed an agreement that will see waste from both municipalities collected and managed by the Town of Stephenville. The Town of Kippens will compensate Stephenville for this service. At that time the Department of Municipal Affairs committed to provide the capital resources to support the initiative. The funding announced today will go towards the purchase of a new double compactor truck, fencing and upgrades to the equipment garage at the Stephenville waste management facility.

Joan Burke, MHA for St. George�s-Stephenville East, applauds both towns on their efforts. �These towns are role models for other communities across the province,� said Minister Burke. �I am very pleased that government can provide financial assistance in recognition and support of the great work accomplished by their joint efforts.�

�I am pleased that financing has been made available and that the project is moving towards completion,� said Port au Port MHA Jim Hodder. �As well as benefiting the environment, this is a worthwhile endeavour that will bring tangible benefits to both communities.�

�The continuing efforts of Stephenville and Kippens to be more efficient in service delivery are having a positive impact on the environment and are realizing significant savings,� said Kippens Mayor Wayne Ruth, who is also the president of the Newfoundland and Labrador Federation of Municipalities (NLFM). �This agreement also demonstrates what can be achieved when communities join forces to address common challenges and concerns. As president of the NLFM, I encourage other communities to consider and explore these kinds of service-sharing arrangements that will pass on real savings to citizens.�

�I want to acknowledge both the Department of Municipal Affairs and Minister Jack Byrne�s role in helping us achieve this service-sharing arrangement,� said Stephenville Mayor Tom O�Brien. �While Stephenville and Kippens reached this agreement themselves, the substantial financial assistance from the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador was essential to what the towns have achieved.�

There are several service sharing agreements between Kippens and Stephenville, including animal control and the Regional Aquatic Centre. There is also a mutual aid between the respective fire departments, and the towns are working to tie their water systems together in case of an emergency.

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Media contact:
John Tompkins
Director of Communication
Department of Municipal Affairs
709-729-1983, 690-2498
jtompkins@gov.nl.ca

2006 11 20                                   10:00 a.m.