$3.8 million For Municipal Infrastructure Improvements in Torbay,
Flat Rock and Pouch Cove; New Municipal Depot Announced for Torbay

The Dunderdale Government continues to support municipalities throughout Newfoundland and Labrador with the latest investment of $3.8 million for Torbay, Flat Rock and Pouch Cove. Projects are supported through the 2012 Municipal Capital Works Program and the 2012-14 Multi-Year Capital Works Program.

The Honourable Kevin O’Brien, Minister of Municipal Affairs, made the announcement in Torbay today. The minister was joined by Kevin Parsons, MHA for Cape St. Francis, and officials from the three towns and surrounding communities.

“These investments reflect the needs of a growing region of the province,” said Minister O’Brien. “Projects range from a new municipal depot to a maintenance garage and waste water improvements. This new municipal infrastructure will support the continued growth and prosperity of this area.”

Funding will be provided to Torbay for a new municipal depot, road improvements and replacement of a lime feed system for the water treatment facility. In addition, funding will be provided to carry out studies on waste water and water treatment. Flatrock will receive funding to construct a maintenance garage, while Pouch Cove will upgrade roads in the town. Funding is cost-shared based on population, with the Provincial Government providing 70 per cent of the total cost for Torbay and 90 per cent of the cost for Flatrock and Pouch Cove.

“This area has experienced tremendous growth in the recent past,” said Mr. Parsons. “The funding that is being provided for these developments will go a long way in meeting the needs of municipal upgrades and service.”

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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Photo: The Honourable Kevin O'Brien, Minister of Municipal Affairs, today announced municipal capital works funding in Torbay. The Minister was joined by Kevin Parsons, MHA for Cape St. Francis; His Worship Robert Codner, Mayor of Torbay: His Worship Kevin Butt, Mayor of Flatrock; and Walter Butt, Councillor, Town of Pouch Cove.

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2012 07 27             11:30 a.m.