Municipalities and local service districts in Newfoundland and Labrador can now apply for government support to upgrade community infrastructure. The Governments of Canada and Newfoundland and Labrador announced today that they are now accepting applications for the next round of funding for the Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund (MRIF). The deadline for submission of applications is September 9, 2008.

"The benefits of past MRIF projects have been significant, providing long-term improvements to community infrastructure throughout Newfoundland and Labrador," said the Honourable Loyola Hearn, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, on behalf of the Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of National Defence and Minister of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA). "The Government of Canada is a full partner in this strategic program designed to improve key community infrastructure like water and waste water systems and recreational and cultural facilities to ensure safer, cleaner communities and an enhanced quality of life for residents."

"Municipalities require reliable and efficient infrastructure and we are pleased to help them provide those services to their residents," said the Honourable Dave Denine, Minister of Municipal Affairs, Government of Newfoundland and Labrador. "Investments in municipal infrastructure are vital to ensuring modern services for residents, and support our commitment for sustainable communities in Newfoundland and Labrador."

Any applications submitted for consideration in rounds one, two and three which were not approved will be automatically advanced to round four for consideration. When round four funding has been dispersed, the full federal-provincial-municipal commitment of more than $100 million for the entire program will have been allocated, providing rural communities throughout Newfoundland and Labrador access to the infrastructure they need.

Future municipal infrastructure needs will be considered under the Building Canada Fund, the Government of Canada's new infrastructure program. The Building Canada Fund advances national priorities that are important to all Canadians: a stronger economy, a cleaner environment, and better communities, while addressing local and regional infrastructure needs.

The Canada-NL MRIF Agreement is administered jointly by ACOA on behalf of Infrastructure Canada, and the Department of Municipal Affairs on behalf of the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador. Municipalities Newfoundland and Labrador, acting on behalf of communities, helps set the strategic direction of the Agreement and identify priorities under the capacity-building component of the Agreement.