Municipal Affairs
November 9, 2012

Approximately $1.1 million in Municipal Funding for West Coast Communities

Through an investment of over $1.1 million from the 2012 Municipal Capital Works Program, the Dunderdale Government is supporting municipal infrastructure initiatives in the St. George’s - Stephenville East area. The total investment, including a contribution by the towns of Stephenville Crossing, Stephenville and the Local Service District of Bay St. George South, is over $1.3 million.

“One of the projects we are pleased to support is the engineering design for a new municipal building and fire hall for Bay St. George South,” said the Honourable Kevin O’Brien, Minister of Municipal Affairs. “Ensuring our communities have the appropriate municipal infrastructure is of utmost importance so that residents have the best service from their municipal governments.”

Stephenville Crossing will receive funding to upgrade a sewage pump station and wells and, as previously announced, the Town of Stephenville will carry out improvements to the Regional Aquatic Centre, including roof replacement and mechanical and ventilation upgrades. 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 Stephenville Crossing and Bay St. George South.

“I am pleased with the significant investments announced for St. George’s - Stephenville East,” said the Honourable Joan Burke, Minister of Advanced Education and Skills and MHA for St. George’s - Stephenville East. “Municipal infrastructure is of utmost importance for our dedicated volunteer firefighters and to all residents of each community. The cost-sharing ratio that was brought forward by our government has benefited communities since 2008 and has enabled the accomplishments of many goals.”

Budget 2012: People and Prosperity included $130 million over two years for municipal capital works projects. 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, 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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2012 11 09                      12:00 p.m.