$980,000 in Upgrades Coming for West Coast Municipal Infrastructure

More than $980,000 in funding has been allocated to support several regional and community projects in Stephenville, Lourdes, and Port au Port East. As part of the 2012 Municipal Capital Works Program, projects will include design work on upgrades to the Regional Aquatic Centre and the completion of a new town hall for Lourdes, among other municipal infrastructure upgrades in the area.

“Regional facilities, such as the Aquatic Centre in Stephenville, benefit the greatest number of residents and I am pleased to announce our continued support for these initiatives,” said the Honourable Kevin O’Brien, Minister of Municipal Affairs. “We have made significant investments in municipal infrastructure in recent years and are committed to continuing a record of solid investment in projects throughout our communities and regions. Our government recognizes the support necessary to create vibrant, sustainable municipalities in Newfoundland and Labrador and we are pleased to provide funding for these projects.”

Funding will be provided for the Town of Stephenville to carry out improvements to the Regional Aquatic Centre, including roof replacement and mechanical and ventilation upgrades. Through the Municipal Capital Works Program, the Town of Lourdes will complete work on its new town hall and Port au Port East will carry out an assessment of the existing water storage tank. Communities will share the cost of the project based on population, with the Provincial Government providing 80 per cent of the total cost for the Town of Stephenville and 90 per cent for Lourdes and Port au Port East.

“I am pleased with the significant municipal infrastructure investments being made in the Stephenville and Port au Port region,” said Tony Cornect, MHA for Port au Port. “This funding demonstrates our government’s unwavering commitment to rural Newfoundland and Labrador. The upgrades to the Regional Aquatic Centre in Stephenville, the completion of the new town hall in Lourdes and an assessment of the water storage tank in Port au Port East, will go a long way in building strong and vibrant communities in the region.”

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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