Municipal Affairs
February 18, 2011

Funding Announced for Fire Protection Equipment in Central Region

Three fire departments in the central region will benefit from nearly $19,000 in Provincial Government funding. The Honourable Kevin O’Brien, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Minister Responsible for Fire and Emergency Services, today announced funding for Bishop’s Falls, Horwood, and Point Leamington fire departments.

“The personal safety of firefighters continues to be a high priority for our government,” said Minister O’Brien. “Fire departments are an integral part of any community initiative and we are delighted to provide funds for such important equipment.”

The funding will provide for personal protective equipment, as outlined below:

“Volunteer firefighters provide an invaluable service to our communities,” said Wade Verge, MHA for Lewisporte. “They provide each of us and our families with a great source of comfort. I am pleased that our government continues to support their efforts through these very important funding initiatives.”

“It is vital that our firefighters have equipment that enables them to do their job, which is keeping people safe,” said Clayton Forsey, MHA for Exploits. “This funding provides modern equipment that will keep our firefighters safe and let them do their job and I want to thank the government for their continued support.”

Budget 2010: The Right Investments – For Our Children and Our Future doubled the investment in fire fighting equipment from $500,000 to $1 million, while also increasing expenditures on firefighting vehicles to a total of $2.5 million. Funding for these departments is shared between the Provincial Government and the respective communities under the cost-shared ratios established through the Municipal Capital Works Program.

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2011 02 18                                                       10:20 a.m.