The College of the North Atlantic (CNA) at Grand Falls-Windsor and Stephenville will undergo infrastructure improvements valued at over $1 million. "Post-secondary education is a priority for this government and therefore we will continue to invest in infrastructure for our students," said the Honourable John Hickey, Minister of Transportation and Works. "Today�s announcement is also another example of our government�s commitment to rural Newfoundland and Labrador."

Bluebird Investments Ltd. of Grand Falls-Windsor was awarded a $560,000 contract to replace the heating and ventilation system at the CNA campus in Grand Falls-Windsor and Tech Construction Ltd. of Corner Brook will carry out a roof and siding replacement, valued at $102,900, at CNA in Stephenville. Minister Hickey noted as well that work is currently underway at the CNA campus in Stephenville Crossing for a tender which was issued to EFCO Enterprises Limited in April 2007. The tender was for ventilation improvements at the Martin Gallant Building at a cost of $401,900.

"The College of the North Atlantic, with its 17 campuses located primarily in rural Newfoundland and Labrador, provides a wide range of programs to thousands," said the Honourable Joan Burke, Minister of Education. "The public college system is critical to ensuring post-secondary education is accessible and we continue to support its growth and development. There are several significant infrastructure projects already underway at different campuses around the province. These latest are further examples of key investments to provide state-of-the-art facilities and the best educational experience for our students."

The Williams Government recently announced an $18 million infusion of funding for a new college facility in Labrador West. An additional $5.5 million has been invested to build an extension to the Happy Valley-Goose Bay campus along with $4.5 million for a major renovation to the Prince Philip Drive campus in St. John�s. Both of these projects are now nearing completion.

In addition to the $28 million allocated in the past two years in infrastructure investments for CNA, millions more have been announced for other initiatives, including $1.5 million for new programs and course offerings, and $1.2 million to expand adult learning opportunities. This year alone, $2 million is being provided to the college to ensure equipment and learning resources are being upgraded. Also, $1.1 million has been allocated since 2006 to improve support services and improve accessibility for students with disabilities.

"The Provincial Government has made significant investments in infrastructure improvements throughout Newfoundland and Labrador," said Minister Hickey. "We are now in the second year of our unprecedented $2 billion, six-year infrastructure strategy and have invested $440 million in infrastructure in Budget 2007, up from the $300 million invested in Budget 2006."

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2007 08 08                                                  9:50 a.m.