Government approves first batch of projects for income support programs

The Department of Municipal and Provincial Affairs has approved a number of projects valued at $1.6 million to advance the Fortune and Crab Income Support programs.

Jack Byrne, Minister of Municipal and Provincial Affairs, re-affirmed that government is working diligently to review and approve projects which will help develop community infrastructure and support economic development. �A dedicated group within the department is working with communities and residents who are applying with project ideas, as well as those inquiring about employment. We remain sensitive to the fact that people want to get projects moving and get to work as quickly as possible, and are pleased that these initial projects have been approved and can now begin.�

Programs/projects included in this stage of approvals include the following:

Fortune Plant Industry Workers Support Program

• $198,200 in support of the annual fall exhibition for the Arena Advisory Board, renovations to the Royal Canadian Legion, beautification of marina and repairs to fisherman�s shed and wharf through the Harbour Authority of Fortune, repairs to the Fortune Community and Youth Centre, maintenance on shed and work on the Fortune Head Ecological Interpretation Centre through the Town of Fortune, repairs to sports facilities through the Fortune Recreation Commission and building repairs to Harbour Authority of Point au Gaul.
   
• $225,300 in support of a number of projects including the upgrade and extension to trail for the Grassey Patch Trail Association, repair of several buildings through the Greater Lamaline Area Development Association, build of trail through Fortune ATV Association, repairs to the Point May Community Centre, repairs to kitchen in Fortune Lions Club and replacement of roof on the museum through Heritage Fortune Incorporated.
   
• $144,000 to support repairs to the municipal centre, garage, town entrance and Samuel J. Harris House in the Town of Grand Bank.

Crab Support Program

• $304,800 to the Town of Bonavista to extend the municipal dump, repair ballfield, picnic site, playground and Cabot Stadium, extension to gift shop - Matthew Legacy, upgrade the grounds at the College of the North Atlantic, and paint fences on Church Street.
   
• $56,800 to the Town of Cartwright to support repairs to the cemetery and tourism sites.
• $89,400 to the Town of Triton for town building maintenance.
   
• $107,400 to the local service district of Black Tickle to support a community clean-up initiative.
   
• $112,000 to the Town of Mary�s Harbour in support of repairs to tourism sites and cemeteries.
   
• $70,000 to the Town of St. Lewis in support of various projects.
   
• $14,500 to the Town of Elliston in support of landscaping, painting, construction of benches and pylons.
   
• $26,500 for shingling, trail cutting, ditching and brush cutting in Brigus.
   
• $3,600 for the construction of a garage for a new fire department vehicle and to repair siding on boat building in Winterton.
   
• $31,600 to Small Point/Broadcove/Blackhead/Adams Cove for trail enhancement for the railbed and walking trails.
   
• $10,100 for general cleanup in Petty Harbour.
   
• $19,700 to secure the outside integrity of 1870 Ferryland Head Lighthouse.
   
• $44,100 for general repairs to recreation building and repairs to garage, town hall, parks and playgrounds in Upper Island Cove.
   
• $23,900 for the construction of a fishing stage and cook house on the Grates Cove waterfront.
   
• $90,200 for repairs to trails, construction of a gazebo, fencing for a playground and town beautification projects in Bay de Verde.
   
• $39,900 for the enhancement of community War Memorial in Carbonear.
   
• $4,100 to enhance existing shoreline heritage walk in Bay Roberts.

�We remain committed to working with applicants to ensure that their needs are met to the best of our abilities, and will continue to move applications forward and work with non-profit community-based organizations, municipal councils, service groups and government and development agencies in support of quality projects with long-term benefit to communities. This process has been challenging, and we continue to process applications and address questions and concerns in a timely fashion,� added Minister Byrne.

Application information and program guidelines are posted on the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador Web site at //www.gov.nl.ca/mpa. Further information can be obtained by calling toll free 1-866-508-5500.

Media contact: Heather MacLean, Communications, (709) 729-1983, 690-2498 or heathermaclean@gov.nl.ca

2005 08 23                      12:00 p.m.