Premier Announces over $955,000 to Complete Work on Bonavista Water System

A total of $955,752 in funding from the Provincial Government will be invested in the Town of Bonavista to improve municipal infrastructure through the completion of upgrades to the town water system. The announcement was made today in Bonavista by the Honourable Kathy Dunderdale, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador. Premier Dunderdale was joined by the Honourable Kevin O’Brien, Minister of Municipal Affairs; Glen Little, MHA for Bonavista South; and, Betty Fitzgerald, Mayor of Bonavista.

“The completion of this project shows our continued commitment to deliver critical municipal infrastructure across the province,” said Premier Dunderdale. “Our government knows the importance of maintaining and enhancing municipal infrastructure for towns and communities throughout Newfoundland and Labrador. Our significant investments have resulted in benefits for our residents and families and help us create a secure and sustainable future for our communities. This project is a great example of the vital investments we are making, and will deliver a clean and reliable source of water for the residents of Bonavista for years to come.”

The initial 1.2 kilometre section of piping was completed during the first phase of the project in 2012. The second phase will see the completion of the transmission main upgrading including the installation of new water mains to replace the aging piping system that is currently in use in the town. The overall project calls for nearly three kilometers of new transmission main. When completed, the new system will provide more efficient delivery of better quality water for the town.

“This is a great day for the area, and for the people of Bonavista as this announcement shows the priority we place on safe drinking water in all areas of the province,” said Mr. Little. “This transmission main will benefit all residents of the community as it is the only conduit that delivers fresh water from the source at Long Pond to the water system in Bonavista.”

In 2012, the Provincial Government allocated $130 million over two years for municipal capital works projects throughout the province.

“I am proud to be here today with the Premier, Minister O’Brien and our MHA Mr. Little for the announcement of this important infrastructure funding,” said Betty Fitzgerald, Mayor of the Town of Bonavista. “This project is vital to our residents and is a great investment by government which will help to improve the delivery of high quality drinking water to the people of Bonavista.”

Funding for this project is cost-shared based on population, with the Provincial Government providing 80 per cent of the total, and the Town of Bonavista contributing the remaining 20 per cent.

- 30 -

Media contacts:

2013 07 16             12:10 p.m.