Municipal Infrastructure Upgrades Announced for Gander Area

Approximately $4.7 million will be invested by the Provincial Government to complete infrastructure projects in the towns of Gander, Benton and Glenwood through the 2012 Municipal Capital Works Program.

“Upgrades to roads, water and waste water treatment for residents of Gander District provide real benefit to residents,” said the Honourable Kevin O’Brien, Minister of Municipal Affairs. “Through our Municipal Capital Works Program, we are working to secure important municipal infrastructure for these towns into the future.”

The Town of Gander will use funding to complete phase two of the Cobb’s Pond Rotary Park redevelopment, along with upgrades to roads, sidewalks and storm sewer systems throughout the town. The Town of Benton will undertake upgrades to its water system to improve the water quality prior to treatment while providing a more reliable pumping system. The Town of Benton will also upgrade one of its sewer lift stations. The Town of Glenwood will upgrade a number of streets throughout the town.

Funding is cost-shared based on population. The Towns of Benton and Glenwood will fund 10 per cent of the project costs, while the Town of Gander will cover 30 per cent of the total project cost.

Budget 2012: People and Prosperity included $130 million over two years for municipal capital works projects throughout the province. Since 2008, the Provincial Government has invested over $500 million in municipal capital works projects which has resulted in improved municipal infrastructure projects across the province. These projects have provided municipalities the opportunity to secure, develop and improve infrastructure for residents and support the long-term sustainability of growth and development of communities.

The Provincial Government has also maintained improved cost-shared funding ratios established in 2008 to benefit municipalities. For communities with populations below 3,000, the Provincial Government will continue to invest 90 per cent of the cost of new infrastructure with the municipality providing 10 per cent; 80 per cent of the cost will continue to be covered for populations between 3,000 and 7,000; and 70 per cent of the cost will continue to be covered for municipalities with populations over 7,000.

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Media contact:
Tansy Mundon
Director of Communications
Department of Municipal Affairs
709-729-1983, 693-1865
tansymundon@gov.nl.ca 

2012 07 05             11:55 a.m.