The Town of Change Islands will receive $60,000 for road upgrading and paving through the 2008-09 Municipal Capital Works (MCW) program.

"The Provincial Government recognizes that communities require secure and reliable infrastructure," said the Honourable Dave Denine, Minister of Municipal Affairs. "I am pleased that through this funding, area residents will benefit from upgraded roads."

The Municipal Capital Works 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. Minister Denine recently announced that through the 2008-09 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.

"I am pleased to support the people of Change Islands in their effort to improve their community," said Derrick Dalley, MHA for the Isles of Notre Dame. "This funding will positively impact residents in that they will see improvements to local road conditions."

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.

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

2008 08 14                                                 10:40 a.m.