Funding announced for regional waste management projects

The Minister of Environment and Conservation, Tom Osborne, and John Scott, Chair and CEO of the Multi-Materials Stewardship Board (MMSB), announced today that more than $100,000 has been recently awarded for regional waste management initiatives in the province. The funding comes from the MMSB�s Newfoundland and Labrador Waste Management Trust Fund.

The funding includes $36,000 for three regional waste management education initiatives and $70,000 in direct operational support for two regional waste management committees. Funds were approved for the following projects:

• The NorPen Waste Management Authority and the Green Bay Waste Authority each received $10,000 to support waste management education and awareness programs in their respective regions as a means of promoting the goals of their regional waste management plans.
   
• The Central Newfoundland Waste Management Committee, in partnership with the Terra Nova Park Heritage Foundation, received $15,750 to implement a pilot project to encourage businesses in the Terra Nova area to adopt more progressive waste management practices aimed at reducing and recycling their waste products.
   
• The Green Bay Waste Authority and the NorPen Waste Management Authority each received $35,000 to support the ongoing activities of their waste management coordinator positions so that these organizations can maintain momentum in the implementation of their regional waste management plans.

Minister Osborne said the investment from the MMSB�s trust fund will help these regions move forward with their waste management efforts. The funding will also play an important role in helping government meet its commitment to achieving a more modern and regionally based approach to waste management throughout the province. "A strong regional focus on waste management is key to achieving the objectives of the provincial waste management strategy," said Minister Osborne. "I applaud the leadership shown by the groups that have received funding in moving that agenda forward in a very positive manner."

Mr. Scott said that waste management initiatives under the trust fund will help create a healthier environment and move our province to a greener future. "MMSB will continue to make strategic investments that will meet the waste management goals of all regions of the province," said Mr. Scott. "We will continue to focus on sound regional waste management initiatives and work with regional waste management committees and other stakeholders around the province in our efforts to develop a cost effective and environmentally responsible waste management system for the province as a whole."

Trevor Taylor, MHA for the Straits and White Bay North, expressed his support and appreciation for the ongoing work of the NorPen Waste Management Authority. "NorPen has taken on a leadership role in developing a comprehensive plan for managing solid waste on a regional basis on the Northern Peninsula. I am pleased that MMSB is providing funding to facilitate its implementation through the initiatives announced today," said Minister Taylor.

Windsor-Springdale MHA Ray Hunter praised the work of the Green Bay Waste Authority. "The authority has pioneered a number of innovative approaches to waste diversion and recycling that have served as models in other areas of the province. The investments announced today will pay even further environmental dividends for the Green Bay area."

Terra Nova MHA Paul Oram noted he is pleased that funding was awarded to the Central Newfoundland Waste Management Committee, in partnership with the Terra Nova Park Heritage Foundation, for an innovative waste management project. "This is a valuable initiative for businesses that will, hopefully, result in continued progressive waste management in the Terra Nova area."

MMSB is a provincial Crown agency that reports to the Minister of Environment and Conservation. MMSB supports modern waste management practices in the province, with a particular focus on waste diversion, recycling and public education, in order to ensure a clean and healthy environment throughout Newfoundland and Labrador.

Media contact:
  David Penney, MMSB, (709)753-0993
  Sonia Glover, Environment and Conservation, (709)729-2575, 685-6612

2005 06 10                          11:55 a.m.