Municipal Affairs
July 29, 2013
$229,000 Announced for Flood Control in Port au Port East
The Provincial Government recognizes the importance of emergency
preparedness, particularly in the face of adverse weather conditions. As a
result of this, $229,000 is being invested in the construction of a flood
control system for the Town of Port au Port. The Honourable Kevin O’Brien,
Minister of Municipal Affairs made the announcement in Port au Port today
along with Tony Cornect, Parliamentary Assistant to the Premier and MHA for
Port au Port, and Eileen Hann, Mayor of Port au Port East.
“As our climate is changing we are experiencing more challenges with regards
to flooding and property damage from the increased intensity of weather,”
said Minister O’Brien. “It is important that we ensure that there is
adequate infrastructure in place to help protect residents from
weather-related damage. This funding demonstrates this government’s
commitment to improving infrastructure across the province in order to help
minimize the damage caused by flooding and excessive wind and rain.”
Residents of Port au Port East frequently experience flooding of their homes
and local roadways, which has contributed to unsafe driving conditions
particularly during the winter months. This project will implement a number
of recommendations resulting from a recently completed flooding study, and
will create a series of cut off ditches to alleviate flooding in the area.
“I am pleased to see the Provincial Government’s continued commitment to
protecting residents from flooding and other related issues,” said MHA
Cornect, “We have been experiencing flooding in this area for some time, and
this project will benefit the residents of Port au Port East, and will bring
better security to residents and their property during periods of high
precipitation and spring run off.”
Funding for this project is cost-shared with the Provincial Government
providing 90 per cent and the Town of Port au Port East covering the
remaining 10 percent.
“This flood control system is of utmost importance for our residents, and I
would like to thank the Provincial Government for the funding that they are
providing for the project,” said Mayor Hann. “We have been dealing with
flood issues in this area for some time now and when completed, this system
will provide relief for residents, and will offer them a safer and more
secure place to live.”
Budget 2013: A Sound Plan, A Secure Future includes funding for the second
year of a $130 million municipal capital works program. This investment is
funding important infrastructure projects for towns and cities, and is
delivering better services for families in areas such as water and waste
water, recreation, road repair, and fire services, across the province.
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2013 07 29
10:15 a.m.