Government remains committed to securing municipal services for residents in the province, and has invested $734,000 to upgrade the industrial water system in Comfort Cove-Newstead. Funding was made available through the 2006-07 Municipal Capital Works Program.

The announcement was made today by the Honourable Jack Byrne, Minister of Municipal Affairs, and the Honourable Tom Rideout, MHA for the District of Lewisporte.

"The water system upgrade will address issues with deteriorated equipment, and ensure that water services in Comfort Cove-Newstead are reliable and secure," stated Minister Byrne. "Maintenance and repairs had become expensive and residents were experiencing disruptions in service; this investment will help alleviate pressures to the system."

Improvements to the water main will include the replacement of 1,745 metres of water line, complete with five hydrants, valve chambers and reconnection of existing house services. The water main replacement commences at Pumphouse Road intersections and extends to the base of Newstead Hill.

"This is another example of government�s commitment to addressing the municipal infrastructure needs of communities throughout the province," said Minister Rideout. "Lewisporte District has benefited significantly from the Municipal Capital Works Program and I am extremely pleased that this funding has been made available for yet another very important project. Other necessary improvements, including repairs to the water treatment plant, have been made to the industrial water system in Comfort Cove-Newstead during the last couple of years and the improvements announced today will further strengthen the water services in the community."

The Municipal Capital Works Program provides financial assistance to improve infrastructure for municipalities in the province. In 2006-07, the provincial portion of the Municipal Capital Works Program totaled $34.5 million. The Provincial Government has also committed $85 million under the 2005-08 Multi-Year Capital Works Program.

"We remain committed to investing in infrastructure which will provide modern services and will secure the long term sustainability of communities. The funding available through programs such as Municipal Capital Works provides municipalities with financial support to improve services and support future development opportunities," added Minister Byrne.

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2007 02 21                                                   2:30 p.m.