Northeast Coast Communities Receive Municipal Capital Works Funding

Communities along the northeast coast of Newfoundland will receive approximately $6.5 million in funding through the 2011 Municipal Capital Works program to support municipal infrastructure projects.

“We are pleased to support these projects as they are fine examples of our commitment to improve municipal infrastructure throughout the province,” said the Honourable Kevin O’Brien, Minister of Municipal Affairs. “An emphasis has been placed upon water and wastewater initiatives and these projects are a priority certainly for both our government and the residents of Newfoundland and Labrador.”

The water system pumphouse in Summerford will be updated to include self-cleaning filters and provide improved chlorination. Twillingate will receive funding to improve a booster pumping station to improve water pressure for some town residents and will also receive funding to upgrade numerous roads. The Town of Fogo Island will receive funding for work on the soccer pitch.

“This year’s investment into the municipal infrastructure of Summerford, Twillingate and Fogo Island will certainly enhance residents’ quality of life,” said the Honourable Derrick Dalley, Minister of Business and MHA for The Isles of Notre Dame. “The improvement of water quality is an important project for communities and I am pleased to see this work occur. Enhancement of road infrastructure for Twillingate will benefit residents and also the many tourists who visit the community each year. The newly amalgamated Town of Fogo Island will also see continued work on the soccer pitch which will benefit all island residents.”

The Town of Lewisporte will receive funding to conduct four infrastructure projects. Work will be completed on Hillgrade Street, water and sewer work will take place on both Main Street and Layte’s Avenue and looping of the water line in the industrial park will occur. These projects are in addition to the $3.5 million recently announced for a new swimming pool. The communities of Stoneville and Loon Bay will also receive funding to support water system upgrades. Water lines will be replaced in Stoneville and over 40 homes will be connected to water and sewer services. Loon Bay will also replace some water lines with larger lines, which will enhance services.

“Residents of both the communities of Stoneville and Loon Bay will benefit from these water and wastewater projects,” said Wade Verge, MHA for Lewisporte. “New residents will receive water and wastewater services and service will be improved for many residents which currently have these services. The Town of Lewisporte has received significant support of late, such as funding for a new swimming pool, and these infrastructure projects announced today will continue to enhance the quality of life in the town. I look forward to this work to the benefit these projects will bring to the area.”

Budget 2011 Standing Strong: For Prosperity. For Our Future. For Newfoundland and Labrador included $140.8 million for new and ongoing municipal infrastructure projects. When combined with federal cost-shared programs and municipal contributions, the total investment this year is expected to be approximately $219 million.

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2011 08 04             11:20 a.m.