The Town of Botwood will receive $134,889 through the 2008-09 Municipal Capital Works (MCW) program for sewage pumping station upgrades. The MCW program fosters the development of cost-shared projects in a wide range of municipal infrastructure, including roads, water and waste-water treatment, recreational facilities and fire equipment.

"A sewage pumping station is an important piece of municipal capital infrastructure," said the Honourable Dianne Whalen, Minister of Municipal Affairs. "I am pleased that through this funding, upgrades will be made to ensure the system runs effectively."

Clayton Forsey, MHA for Exploits, also expressed his pleasure at this funding announcement. "I am extremely pleased with this funding for the Town of Botwood," said Mr. Forsey. "The sewage pumping station is a key piece of infrastructure, and it is imperative that it is properly maintained and upgraded to ensure its continued service for the residents of the town."

Through the 2008-09 program, $33.4 million will be spent on many infrastructure improvement projects province-wide. Under the program, the Provincial Government will contribute $28.9 million and the municipalities will contribute $4.5 million. Towns will also utilize the Federal GST rebate as part of the capital cost.

In April, the Provincial Government 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.

"The provincial government is committed to ensuring municipalities can afford to make much needed infrastructure improvements," added Minister Whalen. "The new cost-sharing ratios certainly are a positive step in that direction."

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