Through the 2008-09 Municipal Capital Works program, the Town of Gaultois will receive $98,000 for a microwater treatment plant and the Town of Pool�s Cove will receive $139,990 for upgrading and paving on Pond Road.

"Our goal remains to strengthen municipal infrastructure throughout Newfoundland and Labrador," said the Honourable Dave Denine, Minister of Municipal Affairs. "Efficient municipal infrastructure leads to improved services and as a result, improved quality of life for residents."

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.

"I am very pleased that these important projects are being funded," said Tracey Perry, MHA, Gaultois. "This part of rural Newfoundland and Labrador is growing and investments such as these will ensure that residents and industry have access to infrastructure that will improve our quality of life and our ability to continue to grow."

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. Towns will also utilize the federal GST rebate as part of the capital cost.

Recently, improvements to the cost-share ratios for municipalities were announced. Under the new arrangement, 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.

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Media contact:
Jennifer Collingwood
Director of Communications
Department of Municipal Affairs
709-729-1983, 690-2498
jennifercollingwood@gov.nl.ca