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.

- 30 -

Media contact
Bradley Power
Public Relations Specialist
Fire and Emergency Services � Newfoundland and Labrador
709-729-0857, 697-5216
BradleyPower@gov.nl.ca