Two communities in the Bellevue area will receive funding totaling $600,000 to support municipal infrastructure improvement projects through the 2008-09 Municipal Capital Works (MCW) program.

The Town of Arnold�s Cove will receive $400,000 for roadwork and the Town of Thornlea will receive $200,000 for water system improvements. The MCW program fosters the development of cost-shared projects in a wide range of municipal infrastructure, including water and waste-water treatment, roads, recreational facilities and fire equipment.

"I am pleased that through this funding, Bellevue area residents will benefit from road and water system improvements," said the Honourable Dave Denine, Minister of Municipal Affairs. "Our goal remains to strengthen municipal services and infrastructure throughout Newfoundland and Labrador so that municipalities may secure, develop and improve services for their residents."

Minister Denine recently announced that through the 2008-09 Municipal Capital Works (MCW) program, $61.2 million will be spent on many infrastructure improvement projects province-wide. Under the program, the Provincial Government will contribute $32.4 million; the Federal Government will contribute $12 million and the municipalities will contribute $14.1 million. Towns will also utilize the Federal GST rebate as part of the capital cost.

"The great district of Bellevue, and indeed the province, is being positively impacted by the development of oil and gas resources," said Bellevue district MHA Calvin Peach. "Funding programs such as the MCW, will improve infrastructure throughout communities, making them more attractive for future economic growth. The 90/10 funding arrangement allows communities to improve on water and sewage, roads and other needed projects for a sustainable future."

The MCW program has been significantly improved by recently announced revised cost-share ratios for municipalities. These new changes state that towns with populations under 3,000 now have to contribute only 10 per cent toward the cost of capital infrastructure. Towns with populations between 3,000 and 7,000 contribute 20 per cent and the largest cities and towns with populations over 7,000 contribute 30 per cent.

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