Municipal Affairs
August 16, 2012

$3.28 Million Announced for Municipal Infrastructure in Portugal Cove - St. Philip’s

The Dunderdale Government is supporting new municipal infrastructure work in Portugal Cove - St. Philip’s through a $3.28 million investment as part of the 2012-14 Multi-Year Capital Works Program. The Honourable Kevin O’Brien, Minister of Municipal Affairs, outlined details of the allocation today (Thursday, August 16) at Voisey’s Brook Park in the community.

“Our multi-year capital works program allows municipalities such as Portugal Cove - St. Philip’s the opportunity to identify a number of important projects in the town requiring immediate attention,” said Minister O’Brien. “These projects reflect priority areas for the town over the next two years. Long-term strategic investments in municipal infrastructure are just one of the ways our government is continuing to support the present and future need of our communities.”

Portugal Cove - St. Philip’s will receive $3.28 million to carry out municipal infrastructure upgrades as part of the 2012-14 Multi-Year Capital Works Program. Funding will support upgrades to Voisey’s Brook Park, road work at Harding’s Hill, repairs to Harding’s Hill bridge, and upgrades to the Thorburn Road sanitary sewer. Funding is cost-shared based on population, with the Provincial Government providing 70 per cent of the total cost.

“This announcement is another example of the Provincial Government’s commitment to this area,” said David Brazil, MHA for Conception Bay East - Bell Island. “These funds will support the town’s efforts to improve services for all citizens in a variety of areas.”

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: Minister Kevin O'Brien is joined by members of the Portugal Cove - St. Philips Town Council and the children of the summer camp and Conservation Corps programs for the announcement of the 2012-14 Multi-Year Municipal Capital Works for the community.

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2012 08 16                                            12:20 p.m.