August 19, 2014
Investing in Safety for Rural Communities
Funding of Approximately $145,000 Announced for Baie Verte-Springdale
The Honourable Dan Crummell, Minister Responsible for Fire and Emergency Services-Newfoundland and Labrador, was joined last night by Kevin Pollard, MHA for Baie Verte-Springdale, to announce a new fire truck and equipment for the District of Baie Verte-Springdale.
“Fire protection is a key priority for the Provincial Government, and we have made considerable investments in recent years. Recognizing the needs in this region, $145,000 is being committed to upgrade fire vehicles and equipment in a number of local communities. The Town of Westport will receive a new rural response unit and additional equipment is being provided throughout the region, to support the efforts of our dedicated volunteer firefighters.”
- The Honourable Dan Crummell, Minister Responsible for Fire and Emergency Services-NL
The rural response unit, valued at $125,500, will be cost-shared with the Provincial Government providing 90 per cent of the funding and Westport covering the remaining 10 per cent. This versatile, self-contained truck and pumping apparatus has foam capability, a 300-gallon water tank and is ideal for fire departments in smaller communities.
In addition, the towns of Burlington, King’s Point, and La Scie will receive an investment of over $18,000 for the purchase of fire protection equipment.
“This is a critical investment in fire safety for both the firefighters who will use it, and for communities which will be protected. Families living throughout the district can take comfort in the knowledge that our fire departments are better equipped to handle fires and emergency situations should they occur.”
- Kevin Pollard, MHA for Baie Verte - Springdale
Budget 2014: Shared Prosperity, Fair Society, Balanced Outlook includes $5 million in fire vehicle and equipment funding.
QUICK FACTS
- Today the Provincial Government announced approximately $145,000 in cost-shared funding for the purchase of a new rural response unit and firefighting equipment in the District of Baie Verte - Springdale.
- The Town of Westport will receive a new rural response unit in the spring of 2015. The unit will be cost-shared with the Provincial Government providing 90 per cent of the funding and the town covering the remaining 10 per cent.
- The towns of Burlington, King’s Point, and La Scie will receive over $18,000 to purchase fire protection equipment.
- Through Budget 2014, over $5 million is being invested to support fire protection services and to purchase equipment and vehicles across the province.
- From 2003 to 2013, the Provincial Government contributed to the purchase of 125 emergency response vehicles for communities throughout Newfoundland and Labrador.
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Media contacts:
Kelly Maguire Manager of Communications Fire and Emergency Services-Newfoundland and Labrador 709-729-0857 kellymaguire@gov.nl.ca |
Patrick Jim Constituency Assistant to Kevin Pollard MHA for Baie Verte-Springdale 709-532-2243 patrickjim@gov.nl.ca |
2014 08 19 9:45 a.m.