The federal and provincial governments will provide funding to assist the Town of Bonavista in replacing its pumping station through a contribution of just over $250,000 from the Canada-Newfoundland Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund (MRIF).
The funding was announced today by the Honourable Keith Ashfield, Minister of State for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA); the Honourable Dianne Whalen, Minister of Municipal Affairs; and Bonavista Mayor Betty Fitzgerald.
“These upgrades to the town’s water infrastructure will greatly increase the reliability of the water supply system,” said Minister Ashfield. “This is an example of the Government of Canada keeping Atlantic Canada moving forward by investing in projects that improve municipal infrastructure, enhance the quality of life of residents and make everyday life better for Atlantic Canadians.”
“The Provincial Government is pleased to contribute over $116,000 to secure and modernize aging water pumping equipment,” said Minister Whalen. “Communities across Newfoundland and Labrador require reliable, efficient infrastructure and this work will help to secure water services for residents of Bonavista.”
The project will see the replacement of the town’s existing pumps and piping at the main pumphouse. Provision will be made for a 'soft-stop’ control option to be added to the existing control panel, along with wireless control capability between the pumps, the water reservoir and the town hall.
“The project will help increase water distribution for the Town of Bonavista through the replacement of existing deteriorated water pumping equipment,” said Mayor Fitzgerald. “Some of that equipment is currently 37 years old and needs to be replaced.”
“This investment further demonstrates our government’s commitment to improving infrastructure in rural Newfoundland & Labrador,” said Roger Fitzgerald, MHA for the District of Bonavista South. “The residents of the Town of Bonavista will benefit from an improved water supply system with increased reliability.”
The Government of Canada will contribute $83,520 towards the project while the provincial government will contribute $116,928. The Town of Bonavista will provide $50,112.
The Canada-NL MRIF Agreement is administered jointly by the Department of Municipal Affairs, on behalf of the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, and ACOA, on behalf of Infrastructure Canada.
FOR BROADCAST USE:
The Town of Bonavista will upgrade the pumping system for its municipal water supply through funding provided by the Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund. The $250,000 project will greatly increase the reliability of the water supply system.
The funding announcement was made today by Keith Ashfield, Minister of State for ACOA; Dianne Whalen, Minister of Municipal Affairs; and Bonavista Mayor Betty Fitzgerald.
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Doug Burgess
Director, Public Affairs
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
709-772-2935
Heather MacLean
Director of Communications
Department of Municipal Affairs
709-729-1983
Mayor Betty Fitzgerald
Office of the Mayor
Town of Bonavista
709-468-7747
