More than $41,000 in Funding for Fire Protection
Equipment in Southwestern Newfoundland

A Provincial Government investment of $41,264 will provide enhanced firefighter protection for four fire departments on the southwest coast of the province. The Honourable Kevin O�Brien, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Minister Responsible for Fire and Emergency Services, announced the funding today for fire departments in Francois, Harbour Breton, Channel-Port aux Basques, and Isle aux Morts.

�Our government continues to foster a good working relationship with the representatives of our many municipalities,� said Minister O�Brien. �As minister, I am pleased to partner with these towns and communities to assist in providing the members of our volunteer fire service with essential personal protection. We are committed to the fire service and continue to provide increased funding and high quality training opportunities to ensure their continued safety.�

The funding, which will provide for such items as bunker suits, self-contained breathing apparatus, air cylinders and boots, is administered through Fire and Emergency Services � Newfoundland and Labrador.

�These firefighters do an exceptional job of protecting our communities and residents,� said Tracey Perry, MHA for Fortune Bay - Cape la Hune. �This investment will help these brave individuals do their jobs and ensure that our volunteers can access the resources they require.�

Budget 2010: The Right Investments � For Our Children and Our Future doubled the investment in fire fighting equipment from $500,000 to $1 million, while also increasing expenditures on fire fighting vehicles to a total of $2.5 million. Funding these fire departments will be shared between the Provincial Government and the respective communities under the 90/10 cost-shared ratio established through the Municipal Capital Works Program, for a total project cost of more than $49,000.

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2010 12 01                                                    11:25 a.m.