The Town of Deer Lake will receive $24,622 in 2008-09 Municipal Capital Works funding to relocate its booster station, which will result in increased water pressure for the water distribution system.

"The Provincial Government recognizes that communities require efficient infrastructure," said the Honourable Dave Denine, Minister of Municipal Affairs. "I am pleased that this funding will be used for booster station relocation, which is an important infrastructure improvement."

The Municipal Capital Works (MCW) program fosters the development of cost-shared projects in a wide range of municipal infrastructure, including water and waste-water treatment, roads, recreational facilities and fire equipment. Minister Denine recently announced that through the 2008-09 MCW program, $61.2 million will be spent on many infrastructure improvement projects province-wide. Under the program, the Provincial Government will contribute $32.4 million; the Federal Government will contribute $12 million and the municipalities will contribute $14.1 million.

The MCW program has been significantly improved by recently announced revised cost-share ratios for municipalities. These new changes state that towns with populations under 3,000 now have to contribute only 10 per cent toward the cost of capital infrastructure. Towns with populations between 3,000 and 7,000 contribute 20 per cent and the largest cities and towns with populations over 7,000 contribute 30 per cent.

"I am very pleased with this announcement," said Humber Valley MHA Darryl Kelly. "I would like to thank the Provincial Government for approving this funding, which will help to alleviate the problem of low water pressure experienced by residents living in the Goose Arm area of Deer Lake."

"Our goal remains to strengthen municipal services and infrastructure throughout Newfoundland and Labrador," said Minister Denine. "The Provincial Government continues to provide municipalities the capability to secure, develop and improve services that in turn improve the quality of life for their residents."