Municipal Affairs
July 25, 2008Towns of Badger
and Whitbourne to Receive Funding for New Fire Trucks
The Provincial Government announced today that two new
fire trucks will be purchased through the 2008-09 Municipal Capital
Works (MCW) program for the Towns of Badger and Whitbourne, at a total
project cost of $500,000.
"We are pleased to contribute to the purchase of two
brand new fire trucks," said the Honourable Dave Denine, Minister of
Municipal Affairs and Minister Responsible for Fire and Emergency
Services � Newfoundland and Labrador. "Enhancing the capability of our
provincial fire services has been a number one priority for our
Provincial Government."
The provincial contribution through the MCW program
for these purchases will be $430,088. The trucks will be cost-shared at
a 90/10 ratio between the province and the municipalities. Each town
will receive up to a maximum of $215,044 towards their individual
purchase.
"I am so very pleased that funding has been awarded
for the purchase of a new fire pumper for the town of Badger," said
Susan Sullivan, MHA for Grand Falls-Windsor-Buchans. "The volunteer fire
department of the community has served Badger well over the years and
the addition of this new pumper to their department will assist them in
providing safe and more efficient emergency services to the town and
surrounding areas. I commend Minister Denine and his department on the
implementation of a new municipal infrastructure cost ratio that allows
communities like Badger to purchase much needed equipment such as this
pumper."
"This is a good news announcement for the Town of
Whitbourne," said Felix Collins, MHA for Placentia-St. Mary�s. "The new
pumper truck will be a welcome addition to the Whitbourne Fire Brigade.
This announcement is another excellent example of municipalities in the
district improving their infrastructure through government's new 90/10
cost-sharing formula."
"With the addition of new equipment we will empower
our local volunteer firefighters with an enhanced capability to safely
and effectively knock down fires when they occur," said Minister Denine.
"For both Whitbourne and Badger, the new vehicle will represent a
significant advancement in their first response capability, bringing the
newest technology and features associated with mobile fire apparatus to
these towns."
Through the 2008-09 Municipal Capital Works program,
the Provincial Government has earmarked a $1.7 million contribution
towards fire equipment. The total expenditure including municipal
contributions will amount to $2 million.
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Media contact
Bradley Power
Public Relations Specialist
Fire and Emergency Services � Newfoundland and Labrador
709-729-0857, 697-5216
BradleyPower@gov.nl.ca
2008 07 25
2:10 p.m.