March 26, 2013
Budget 2013: Investing in Safe and Sustainable Communities; Making Responsible Social Investments
The Provincial Government continues to build upon a decade of vigorous infrastructure development and ongoing support to the communities and people of the province. Budget 2013: A Sound Plan, A Secure Future provides $230 million in funding to support the rebuilding of aging municipal facilities, the delivery of new regional projects, and assistance to communities and organizations as they deliver services to residents.
“Our government has listened to residents, organizations and community leaders around the province, and with $230 million through Budget 2013 we are refining the delivery of our programs and services in a way that will meet the needs of our residents today and into the future,” said the Honourable Kevin O’Brien, Minister of Municipal Affairs. “Changes to the Municipal Operating Grant formula will focus our support towards smaller municipalities that rely on this funding as a key source of revenue.
For larger municipalities, we are delivering a new Capital Works Program that will allow them to continue to support important infrastructure projects to meet the needs of their growing populations.”
The Provincial Government works closely with municipalities and their leaders in the development of strong and sustainable communities. An investment of $49 million in Budget 2013 will provide funding for Municipal Operating Grants, a new Capital Works Program for the seven largest municipalities in the province, and funding for recreation initiatives. Budget 2013 will also commit $750,000 to further advance the work underway on the development and implementation of a province-wide basic 911 system. The Provincial Government also continues to make investments in the Poverty Reduction Strategy to ensure that future generations of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians have the opportunity to contribute to their communities. Budget 2013 allocates nearly $149 million to continue important efforts under this strategy.
“These new programs will support community development across the province,” said Minister O’Brien. “In addition, the Provincial Government will begin discussions with key stakeholders including Municipalities Newfoundland and Labrador on a review of the provincial-municipal fiscal framework to ensure that it is sustainable and fair for all municipalities in the province.”
For further details see the Backgrounder: Investing in Key Priorities for Communities and Residents.
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Media contact:
Hugh Donnan
Director of Communications
Department of Municipal Affairs
709-729-1983, 725-6511
hughdonnan@gov.nl.ca
2013 03 26 3:25 p.m.