NLIS 2
March 9, 2005
(Municipal and Provincial Affairs)
Inaugural meeting
regarding gas tax
Jack Byrne, Minister of Municipal and
Provincial Affairs, announced today that senior department officials
will be meeting with the federal Cities Secretariat this month in
St. John�s to begin to work out details of the recently announced
federal gas tax commitment.
"This infusion of money is great news for municipalities. I am
eagerly awaiting these discussions so that we can get more details
on how this funding will benefit our municipalities," said Minister
Byrne. "It is extremely important that any decisions that are made
must include the Newfoundland and Labrador Federation of
Municipalities which is why I have asked them to join us at the
table. Together, we can work towards establishing an allocation
model and setting priorities and directions for the investment of
these new monies."
The federal government announced in its recent budget that the
country�s municipalities would receive $5 billion over five years
which translates into $82.3 million for Newfoundland and Labrador�s
municipalities. The first installment of this money was announced in
the recent federal budget. For the 2005-06 fiscal year, this
province can expect to see approximately $10 million of the
announced $600 million commitment. The federal government has
identified this funding for environmentally sustainable
infrastructure.
Deputy Mayor Herbert Brett, president of the Newfoundland and
Labrador Federation of Municipalities said that they are pleased to
be included in the early stages of these talks. "The federal
government has committed these funds for the development of
municipal infrastructure and as a federation, we look forward to
representing our members and having meaningful input into the
negotiation of this important funding agreement."
The provincial government considers capital works a high commitment.
In November 2004, Minister Byrne announced $140 million of new
funding for capital works programs. This commitment will result in
90,000 person weeks of employment ensuring an important role in the
growth of the province�s economy.
"The federal government had been promising for some time that it
would share a portion of the federal excise tax on gasoline and I am
pleased that they followed through on this promise. Our
infrastructure needs are great and every dollar counts to improving
the way of life of Newfoundland and Labrador�s residents. I am
looking forward to these discussions with the federal government and
the NLFM to work out the best possible deal for our cities and
towns," added Minister Byrne.
Media contact:
Vanessa Colman-Sadd,
Communication, Municipal and Provincial Affairs, (709) 729-1983
or (709) 682-6593
Craig Pollett, Executive
Director, Newfoundland and Labrador Federation of
Municipalities,
(709) 753-6820
2005 03 09 11:40 a.m. |