The Town of La Scie has received $314,000 through the 2008-09 Municipal Capital Works (MCW) program to remove creosote timber from the water supply intake area.

"The Provincial Government is committed to ensuring that municipalities have access to safe and reliable infrastructure," said the Honourable Dianne Whalen, Minister of Municipal Affairs. "I am pleased that through the MCW program, the creosote timber was removed from the town�s water supply intake area quickly and effectively."

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.

Through the 2008-09 program, $33.4 million will be spent on many infrastructure improvement projects province-wide. Under the program, the Provincial Government will contribute $28.9 million and the municipalities will contribute $4.5 million. Towns will also utilize the federal GST rebate as part of the capital cost.

Changes to the cost-share ratios for municipalities were announced in April 2008. These 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.

"The 90/10 provincial/municipal cost share ratio makes infrastructure work much more affordable and accessible for smaller communities," said Kevin Pollard, MHA for Baie Verte-Springdale. "I am very pleased that the Provincial Government was able to act expeditiously to resolve this problem for the benefit of area residents."

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Media contact:

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