More Than $24 Million in Government Funding Going to Public Infrastructure Projects in Newfoundland and Labrador

CONCEPTION BAY SOUTH, NEWFOUNDLAND AND LABRADOR--(Marketwired - May 20, 2016) - Infrastructure Canada

Twenty-eight municipal infrastructure projects in Newfoundland and Labrador valued at $24.4 million will move forward immediately, thanks, in part, to the federal government's Small Communities Fund. These are the first projects to be cost-shared under the program since the provincial and federal governments signed an agreement in March.

Announcing the funding today was the Honourable Judy Foote, federal Minister of Public Services and Procurement and Member of Parliament for Bonavista-Burin-Trinity, on behalf of the Honourable Amarjeet Sohi, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities, and the Honourable Eddie Joyce, Minister of Municipal Affairs for Newfoundland and Labrador. Steve Tessier, Mayor of the Town of Conception Bay South, was also in attendance. Conception Bay South will receive $669,026 for road improvements through this installment.

Of the $24.4 million in projects approved for funding to date, the federal government is contributing $8.1 million, the provincial government is contributing $11 million, and the remainder will be cost-shared by the municipalities. See backgrounder below for a complete list of projects funded to date.

The $1-billion Small Communities Fund supports priority infrastructure projects in communities across the country with less than 100,000 residents. Through this funding program, the federal government will provide the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador with a total of $34.9 million over the next several years.

Quotes

"In Budget 2016, our Government made an unprecedented commitment of more than $120 billion to support public infrastructure projects across Canada. Working in partnership with Newfoundland and Labrador's provincial and municipal governments we are targeting smart infrastructure investments to produce long-term prosperity, grow the middle class, and strengthen communities. By supporting projects such as these we are building 21st-century communities and ensuring a high quality of life for generations to come."

The Honourable Judy Foote, Member of Parliament for Bonavista-Burin-Trinity, on behalf of the Honourable Amarjeet Sohi, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities

"Today we embark on a new partnership with the federal government which provides Newfoundland and Labrador with more funding for infrastructure projects in small communities. Accessing federal funding under the Small Communities Fund is of significant advantage, as it enables available provincial funds to be spent on even more projects, in more communities. This is an excellent example of what can be achieved when all levels of government work together towards a common goal."

The Honourable Eddie Joyce, Minister of Municipal2 Affairs for Newfoundland and Labrador

"Upgrades to our existing roads are important to the enhancement of our town and the safety of everyone who lives here-or visits here. We are delighted that changes to the eligibility criteria for the Small Communities Fund now allows funding for municipal roads. This is of benefit to our town, and I suspect to many municipalities throughout the province."

Steve Tessier, Mayor of the Town of Conception Bay South

Related documents

Backgrounder including list of projects funded.

Associated links

To learn more about Budget 2016: http://www.budget.gc.ca/2016/docs/plan/ch2-en.html#_Toc446106678

To learn more about the Small Communities Fund: http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/plan/sc-cp-eng.html.

For more information on the New Building Canada Plan: http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/plan/nbcp-npcc-eng.html.

To see details on federal infrastructure investments in Newfoundland and Labrador: http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/map-carte/nl-eng.html.

Twitter: @INFC_eng

Web: Infrastructure Canada

Backgrounder

The governments of Canada and Newfoundland and Labrador have announced funding for 28 projects in communities across the province under the New Building Canada Plan's Small Communities Fund (SCF).

The federal and provincial governments have each committed more than $8 million and $11 million, respectively, to the projects, which have a total eligible cost of more than $24 million. Recipient communities will be responsible for the remaining project costs.

Project details:

For more information on the individual projects, please direct your questions to the recipient listed above.

For more information on the Small Communities Fund: http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/plan/sc-cp-eng.html.