The Town of Portugal Cove-St. Philip�s will receive $1,875,000 for municipal infrastructure improvements through the 2008-11 Multi-Year Capital Works Funding Program. The Honourable Dave Denine, Minister of Municipal Affairs, announced the Provincial Government�s investment today, which the town has indicated will be spent on public water supply improvements and roadwork.

The Multi-Year Capital Works Program allows larger municipalities to avail of three-year blocks of funding, which support 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 planned upgrades to roads and the public water supply will result in improved public safety and enhanced quality of life for residents of Portugal Cove-St. Philip�s."

"This new funding is much appreciated and will go a long way in upgrading local roads, which will be of great benefit to the residents of Portugal Cove-St. Philip's," said Norm Collins, Mayor of the Town of Portugal Cove-St. Philip's. "And the new cost-sharing ratios certainly make it more affordable for the town." 

"I am delighted to see the Town of Portugal Cove-St. Philip�s benefiting so greatly from this year�s Multi-Year Capital Works Program," said the Honourable Dianne Whalen, MHA for Conception Bay East and Bell Island. "We all know the difference upgraded water systems and road networks can make for residents and tourists alike. This substantial investment is yet another example of the Williams Government�s commitment to reliable infrastructure throughout the province."

The 2008-11 Multi-Year Capital Works Program will provide a provincial funding investment of $112 million over the next three years 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.

Recent improvements to cost-sharing ratios mean that the province will fund 80 per cent of the total cost while the town has to fund only 20 per cent.

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