"Strengthening our communities by supporting effective infrastructure solutions through adequate funding is the foundation of the Municipal Capital Works Program," stated the Honourable Jack Byrne, Minister of Municipal Affairs. "Investments in infrastructure provide municipalities the opportunity to secure, develop and improve services for residents, and support the long-term sustainability, growth and development of communities and the economy throughout the province."

The project provides $173,000 to the Town of Clarke�s Beach to buy an existing building to serve as the new town hall.

"I applaud the efforts of the Town of Clarke�s Beach to secure substantial funding for this important initiative," said the Honourable Tom Hedderson, MHA for Harbour Main-Whitbourne. "The former Salvation Army building�s conversion to a town hall is a welcome addition to the town�s municipal infrastructure."

Infrastructure programs such as the Municipal Capital Works Program are valuable for promoting the local economy in rural municipalities. The Municipal Capital Works Program is cost-shared between the province and municipalities and includes projects which will improve water and sewer, roads, recreation and fire equipment infrastructure. In 2007-08, the Municipal Capital Works Program is valued at $34.2 million, which includes an overall provincial contribution of $22.2 million allocated in Budget 2007.

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Media contact:
Heather MacLean
Director of Communications
Department of Municipal Affairs
709-729-1983, 690-2498
heathermaclean@gov.nl.ca