Municipal Affairs
November 19, 2012

Over $2.9 Million for Infrastructure Upgrades in Burin-Placentia West

Several municipalities in Burin-Placentia West will receive funding to improve municipal infrastructure through the Municipal Capital Works and the Multi-Year Capital Works programs. The total investment is over $3.5 million which includes contributions from Burin, Marystown and Parker’s Cove.

“Communities in the District of Burin-Placentia West are vibrant and offer a number of quality municipal services,” said the Honourable Kevin O’Brien, Minister of Municipal Affairs. “The Provincial Government is pleased to provide this funding which enhance existing municipal infrastructure and services, which in turn, will improve the quality of life for area residents.”

Under the Municipal Capital Works Program, Burin will receive funding to conduct a study into upgrading the Long Pond water system; to repair the water main located near the College of the North Atlantic, and to replace a water pipe for Main Street. In addition, as previously announced, funds will also go towards a new multi-purpose court and track complex. The Town of Parker’s Cove will receive funding for upgrades to its disinfection system. Funding is cost-shared based on population, with the Provincial Government providing 90 per cent of the total project cost.

The Town of Marystown will conduct a number of projects through funding provided through the 2012-14 Multi-Year Capital Works Program. Projects include fire hydrant installations along Route 220; improvements to a number of town streets; water and waste systems extensions on Creston Boulevard; a new municipal garage and a sewage treatment system. Marystown will contribute 20 per cent of the total project cost based on their population.

“I am extremely pleased to see this substantial investment in our communities,” said the Honourable Clyde Jackman, Minister of Education and MHA for Burin - Placentia West. “This Provincial Government funding, in excess of $2.9 million, will significantly improve services for residents in our area in a number of ways.”

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 of 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 19                            3:00 p.m.