Municipal Affairs
June 11, 2008

Provincial Government Announces $20 Million to Mount Pearl Through Multi-Year Capital Works Program

Today, the Honourable Dave Denine, Minister of Municipal Affairs, announced he has approved the proposal from the City of Mount Pearl for $20 million from the 2008-11 Multi-Year Capital Works Funding Program. The Multi-Year Capital Works Program will provide provincial funding investment of $112 million to 15 of the province�s largest cities and towns. When combined with the municipal contribution, the program will result in a $156 million investment in municipal infrastructure over the next three years.

The City of Mount Pearl has indicated that $12.8 million will be spent on the redevelopment and expansion of the city�s arena and swimming pool with $7.2 million going towards road improvements.

The Multi-Year Capital Works Program allows larger municipalities to avail of three-year blocks of funding, which supports improved planning and scheduling of work for major infrastructure projects. The program was first introduced in 1999 to fund larger-scale infrastructure initiatives in communities that have the capacity to make multi-year commitments. Typically, the majority of funding for municipal capital works programs has supported road, water and sewer infrastructure.

"This type of funding agreement allows municipalities to plan their infrastructure investments over several years with the security of knowing the funding is in place," said Minister Denine. "I am very pleased that the residents of Mount Pearl will be given the opportunity to enjoy upgraded recreational facilities, as well as improved roads."

"The multi-year funding program as designed by the province will allow Mount Pearl to maintain its high level of infrastructure and continue to provide quality recreational programming for our residents," commented Mount Pearl Mayor Randy Simms. "The efforts of the minister and his colleagues to secure this level of funding shows their dedication to the city and we are appreciative of their hard work."

"This is wonderful news for the people of Mount Pearl North," said Steve Kent, MHA for Mount Pearl North. "As a result of this funding, the city will be able to upgrade two facilities and residents will benefit greatly from an improved swimming pool and an additional ice rink. I am thrilled with our government's commitment to Mount Pearl's future."

Recent improvements to cost-sharing ratios mean that the province will fund 70 percent of the total cost while the city has to only fund 30 percent.

"Improvements to cost-shared ratios provide more provincial funding to support municipal infrastructure projects," added Minister Denine. "This allows municipalities to strengthen services and improve infrastructure throughout the entire province."

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Media contact:
Jennifer Collingwood
Director of Communications
Department of Municipal Affairs
709-729-1983, 709-690-2498
JenniferCollingwood@gov.nl.ca

2008 06 11                                                      11:25 a.m.


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