The Town of St. Lawrence will upgrade its municipal water and sewer systems with assistance from the federal and provincial governments under the Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund (MRIF).
Funding for the new water and sewer systems was announced today by the Honourable Keith Ashfield, Minister of State (Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency); the Honourable Dianne Whalen, Minister of Municipal Affairs; and St. Lawrence Mayor Wayde Rowsell.
The project will cost just over $664,000. A pressure reducing valve will be installed on the water system in an existing chamber to help alleviate excessive line pressures and a new pH adjustment system will be installed in an expanded chlorination building to address corrosion problems that exist in the system. This funding will determine the need for a reservoir tank and furthermore may prompt the decision to replace the current tank, in the future.
“This project will greatly improve the quality of the muncipal water and sewage systems in the community,” said Minister Ashfield. “Through our investment of just over $221,000, we are helping this rural community improve its infrastructure and the quality of life for its families.”
“The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is committed to ensuring all residents have access to reliable and efficient infrastructure,” said Minister Whalen. “Through our investment of $376,325, residents of St. Lawrence will experience great improvements to their water and waste water systems.”
“The present system, which was installed in 1953, is in need of an upgrade,” said St. Lawrence Mayor Wayde Rowsell. “In recent years we have had many water leaks and sewer blockages have been occurring, resulting in tremendous maintenance costs. This new funding will undoubtedly enhance our current infrastructure for the benefit of our residents.”
The sewer system will be extended and six manholes will be replaced in the Truxton Place area. This will allow for better grades and improved wastewater flows in the lines. Also, in the Water Street West area of the town, an existing outfall will be relocated and extended into deeper water.
The federal government will contribute $221,368 towards the project while the provincial government will contribute $376,325. The Town of St. Lawrence will provide $66,410.
FOR BROADCAST USE:
The Town of St. Lawrence will improve the community’s water and sewage systems through funding provided by the Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund. The $664,000 project will alleviate excessive line pressures on the water line, extend the sewer system, and replace six manholes in the Truxton Place area. This will allow for better grades and improved wastewater flows in the lines. Also, in the Water Street West area of the Town, an existing outfall will be relocated and extended into deeper water.
The funding announcement was made today by Keith Ashfield, Minister of State for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency; Dianne Whalen, Minister of Municipal Affairs; and St. Lawrence Mayor Wade Rowsell.
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INFORMATION:
Doug Burgess
Director, Public Affairs
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
709-772-2935
Bradley Power
Department of Municipal Affairs
709-729-0857
Greg Quirke
Town Manager
Town of St. Lawrence
709-873-2222
