Through an investment of $183.6 million in Budget 2010, the Williams Government is continuing its aggressive infrastructure program in the education system throughout Newfoundland and Labrador.

"Ensuring all students are educated in quality and safe learning environments is a priority for our government," said the Honourable Darin King, Minister of Education. "In the last several years we have made record financial investments to upgrade and replace out-dated infrastructure. We are maintaining this momentum in Budget 2010 with new and continued funding for priority projects in both the K-12 and post-secondary education systems."

Additional funding of $14.3 million will be invested in Budget 2010 to continue high priority repair and maintenance projects throughout all five school districts. This brings the total investment this year to $34.3 million.

Budget 2010 provides $6.2 million for spending on new infrastructure projects in the K-12 system, including $500,000 to begin planning for a new high school in the west end of St. John's. As well, the Provincial Government commits to replacing Virginia Park Elementary in St. John's with a new school.

"Our government recognizes the need for these two new schools and we're pleased to announce that they will soon become a reality," said Minister King. "We have listened to the community and acted so that students in these regions will be able to attend new, modern schools in their area."

Additional new infrastructure projects for the K-12 system include:

• $1.5 million for the construction of additional classrooms and other upgrades at St. Paul's Intermediate in Gander;
• $1.2 million for an expansion and a new skilled trades suite at New World Island Academy;
• $500,000 to begin detailed design work for redevelopment of Exploits Valley High in Grand Falls-Windsor; and,
• $2.5 million for building upgrades and an extension for Roncalli Elementary in St. John's.

Budget 2010 also includes $73 million in funding for the continuation of education infrastructure projects as follows:

In keeping with its commitment, the Provincial Government will invest $18 million this year to begin construction of a 500-bed residence at Memorial University's St. John's Campus and a 200-bed residence at the Corner Brook campus, at a total combined cost of $88.3 million. In addition, $7.5 million will be allocated to continue upgrading existing residences at Memorial's St. John's campus.

An additional $3.2 million will be provided to Memorial University in 2010-11 for its deferred maintenance plan and laboratory upgrades for a total budget of $7.2 million. As well, $3.4 million will be invested in Memorial University and College of the North Atlantic in accordance with the directions of the white paper on post-secondary education.

With a provincial investment of over $30 million, several post-secondary infrastructure projects will see continued progress. These include:

Budget 2010 also allocates $250,000 to the Provincial Information and Libraries Resources Board for priority repairs and maintenance projects in provincial library sites.

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Media contact:

Tara Power
Director of Communications
Department of Education
709-729-0048, 727-5953
tarapower@gov.nl.ca

2010 03 29                                                    2:20 p.m.