Buchans to benefit from Canada-Newfoundland Infrastructure funding

Grand Falls-Buchans MHA Anna Thistle is extremely pleased that under the Canada-Newfoundland Infrastructure Program (CNIP), the Town of Buchans will be receiving funding for upgrades to its water and chlorination systems.

Municipal and Provincial Affairs Minister Oliver Langdon and Gerry Byrne, Minister of State for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), announced the approval of 125 CNIP projects in 108 communities today, as part of a multi-year agreement that is cost-shared between the Government of Canada, the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador and municipalities. Of the $35.6 million committed to the program this year, the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador will contribute $17.5 million. The federal government will contribute one third of the individual project costs for a total of $11.8 million and municipalities, $6.2 million.

Some $140,000 will be provided to the Town of Buchans to upgrade its chlorination system. This project will be cost-shared by the province and the federal government. The province will provide $93,333, while the federal government will contribute $46,667.

The Town of Buchans will also be carrying out improvements to its water system at a cost of $310,000. The town�s contribution for the work will be $82,667, the province�s share $124,000 and the federal government will provide $103,333.

"I am extremely pleased with this funding announced in my district," said Minister Thistle. "The Buchans water system is in need of upgrading and I am delighted to see that this much-needed work will now be carried out."

The Canada-Newfoundland Infrastructure Program is part of a three-pronged approach to municipal infrastructure, which will see $261 million invested in Newfoundland and Labrador by three levels of government over the next three years.

Media contact: Kathy Dicks-Peyton, Communications, (709) 729-1741.

2002 06 13                                 2:40 p.m.