The Provincial Government has provided approximately $825,000 in municipal capital works funding to the Towns of Eastport, Burlington, Ferryland and Aquaforte to support engineering design work to help expedite the construction process.

"Funding will support engineering design work which includes project design, submission to regulatory agencies for review, and preparation of tender documents prior to projects receiving final approval from government," said the Honourable Kevin O�Brien, Minister of Municipal Affairs. "This information will provide both the municipalities and government with a more accurate cost-estimate, and an opportunity to evaluate any unanticipated design issues before proceeding with construction."

The projects noted below have been selected for and committed to engineering design work in anticipation that they will receive final funding approval:

The Provincial Government's infrastructure strategy is valued at more than $5 billion over the next several years and includes investments in municipalities, healthcare, education, justice, social housing, transportation, and environment and conservation. In Budget 2010: The Right Investments - For Our Children and Our Future, the Provincial Government committed $135.5 million in support of municipal infrastructure projects. With federal and municipal contributions factored in, the total investment in municipal infrastructure in 2010-11 is anticipated to be the largest in history at approximately $225 million.

Media contact:
Heather MacLean
Director of Communications
Department of Municipal Affairs
709-729-1983, 697-4137
heathermaclean@gov.nl.ca