Over $1.2 million for Municipal Infrastructure in Grand Bank Area

Over $1.2 million is being invested by the Provincial Government to improve municipal infrastructure in six communities in the Grand Bank area. Funding is part of the 2012 Municipal Capital Works Program.

“Since 2008, our government has invested over $6 million in this area and over $500 million throughout the province for new municipal infrastructure,” said the Honourable Kevin O’Brien, Minister of Municipal Affairs. “This investment has helped to strengthen communities in the Grand Bank area and reflects our government’s continued commitment to municipalities throughout the province.”

The Town of Garnish will receive funding to expand water and sewer services, while Winterland will upgrade water servicing. The Town of Lamaline will undertake repairs of the town’s sewer lift station and chlorination system, and the Town of Lawn will upgrade a water booster station. The towns of Fortune and Grand Bank will conduct repairs of the shared reservoir spillway, while Lord’s Cove will undertake paving for Loop Road and Pond Road.

“This is great news for our communities, as residents will benefit from improved water, sewer and roads,” said the Honourable Darin King, Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture and MHA for the District of Grand Bank. “Today’s announcement continues to demonstrate our government’s commitment to improving municipal infrastructure in rural Newfoundland and Labrador.”

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 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 throughout the province.

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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2012 07 23             12:15 p.m.