Municipal Affairs
July 29, 2013
The Provincial Government recognizes the importance of emergency preparedness, particularly in the face of adverse weather conditions. As a result of this, $229,000 is being invested in the construction of a flood control system for the Town of Port au Port. The Honourable Kevin O’Brien, Minister of Municipal Affairs made the announcement in Port au Port today along with Tony Cornect, Parliamentary Assistant to the Premier and MHA for Port au Port, and Eileen Hann, Mayor of Port au Port East.
“As our climate is changing we are experiencing more challenges with regards to flooding and property damage from the increased intensity of weather,” said Minister O’Brien. “It is important that we ensure that there is adequate infrastructure in place to help protect residents from weather-related damage. This funding demonstrates this government’s commitment to improving infrastructure across the province in order to help minimize the damage caused by flooding and excessive wind and rain.”
Residents of Port au Port East frequently experience flooding of their homes and local roadways, which has contributed to unsafe driving conditions particularly during the winter months. This project will implement a number of recommendations resulting from a recently completed flooding study, and will create a series of cut off ditches to alleviate flooding in the area.
“I am pleased to see the Provincial Government’s continued commitment to protecting residents from flooding and other related issues,” said MHA Cornect, “We have been experiencing flooding in this area for some time, and this project will benefit the residents of Port au Port East, and will bring better security to residents and their property during periods of high precipitation and spring run off.”
Funding for this project is cost-shared with the Provincial Government providing 90 per cent and the Town of Port au Port East covering the remaining 10 percent.
“This flood control system is of utmost importance for our residents, and I would like to thank the Provincial Government for the funding that they are providing for the project,” said Mayor Hann. “We have been dealing with flood issues in this area for some time now and when completed, this system will provide relief for residents, and will offer them a safer and more secure place to live.”
Budget 2013: A Sound Plan, A Secure Future includes funding for the second year of a $130 million municipal capital works program. This investment is funding important infrastructure projects for towns and cities, and is delivering better services for families in areas such as water and waste water, recreation, road repair, and fire services, across the province.
Media contacts:
| Hugh Donnan Director of Communications Department of Municipal Affairs 709-729-1983, 725-6511 hughdonnan@gov.nl.ca |
Tess Burke Communications Manager Government Members Office 709-729-3551, 699-2402 tessburke@gov.nl.ca |
Eileen Hann Mayor of Port au Port East 709-648-2731 townofpape@hotmail.com |
2013 07 29 10:15 a.m.