The Town of St. Lawrence will upgrade its municipal
water and sewer systems with assistance from the Federal and Provincial
Governments under the Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Municipal Rural
Infrastructure Fund (MRIF).
Funding for the new water and sewer systems was
announced today by the Honourable Keith Ashfield, Minister of State
(Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency); the Honourable Dianne Whalen,
Minister of Municipal Affairs; and St. Lawrence Mayor Wayde Rowsell.
The project will cost just over $664,000. A pressure
reducing valve will be installed on the water system in an existing
chamber to help alleviate excessive line pressures and a new pH
adjustment system will be installed in an expanded chlorination building
to address corrosion problems that exist in the system. This funding
will determine the need for a reservoir tank and furthermore may prompt
the decision to replace the current tank, in the future.
"This project will greatly improve the quality of the
muncipal water and sewage systems in the community," said Minister
Ashfield. "Through our investment of just over $221,000, we are helping
this rural community improve its infrastructure and the quality of life
for its families."
"The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is
committed to ensuring all residents have access to reliable and
efficient infrastructure," said Minister Whalen. "Through our investment
of $376,325, residents of St. Lawrence will experience great
improvements to their water and wastewater systems."
"The present system, which was installed in 1953, is
in need of an upgrade," said St. Lawrence Mayor Wayde Rowsell. "In
recent years we have had many water leaks and sewer blockages have been
occurring, resulting in tremendous maintenance costs. This new funding
will undoubtedly enhance our current infrastructure for the benefit of
our residents."
The sewer system will be extended and six manholes
will be replaced in the Truxton Place area. This will allow for better
grades and improved wastewater flows in the lines. Also, in the Water
Street West area of the town, an existing outfall will be relocated and
extended into deeper water.