As part of the Provincial Government�s efforts to replace and modernize infrastructure from flooding events within the province, the Honourable Jack Byrne, Minister of Municipal Affairs, announced funding for the reconstruction of the Kin Court Bridge in the District of St. Georges�Stephenville East. The $950,000 project will be cost-shared by the Provincial Government, the Town of Stephenville and the federal government through the Disaster Financial Assistance Agreement.

"Stephenville and the surrounding area have been experiencing difficult times over the past few years and we will continue to work with the town to modernize and reconstruct the infrastructure," said Minister Byrne. "The reconstruction of the bridge connecting West Street to Massachusetts Drive will restore essential infrastructure for transportation needs in the district. I am pleased with the progress thus far in Stephenville and this is the next step in reinstating the community�s infrastructure to better serve families and businesses."

The Kin Court Bridge collapsed in September 2005 during the flooding in the Town of Stephenville. The province�s contribution to the bridge reconstruction totals $111,100 from the 2007-08 Municipal Capital Works Program. The new 30-metre single span reinforced concrete bridge will be located approximately 178 metres upstream from the old structure, spanning across Blanche Brook. Construction is set to begin in fall 2007.

"The September 2005 flood had a devastating impact on our community, but we are steadily rebuilding," said the Honourable Joan Burke, MHA for the District of St. George�s-Stephenville East. "Reconstructing Kin Court Bridge is an important part of this process and I commend our municipal leaders and the Department of Municipal Affairs for their continued dedication and effort."

The Municipal Capital Works Program is a cost-shared program between the province and municipalities. The criteria for projects include those which will improve water and sewer, roads, recreation and fire equipment infrastructure. In 2007-08 the Municipal Capital Works Program is valued at $34.2 million as part of the Provincial Government�s investment of $440 million in provincial infrastructure.

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