13 July 2009
Lumsden, Newfoundland and Labrador
The federal and provincial governments will provide funding to assist the Town of Lumsden in upgrading its water treatment plant through a contribution of just over $414,000 from the Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund (MRIF).
The funding was announced today by the Honourable Keith Ashfield, Minister of State (Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency); the Honourable Dianne Whalen, Minister of Municipal Affairs; and Lumsden Mayor Jeannette Gibbons.
"These upgrades to the town's water treatment plant will greatly increase the reliability of the water supply system," said Minister Ashfield. "The Government of Canada is pleased to provide more than $138,000 for this project. Improving municipal infrastructure is vital to enhancing the quality of life of Canadians."
"Investments to upgrade and modernize infrastructure in communities across Newfoundland and Labrador are vital to ensure that residents have access to safe and efficient services," said Minister Whalen. "Our government is pleased to invest over $234,000 which will secure the water treatment plant, and improve water services for residents in Lumsden."
Several components of the town's existing water treatment plant have deteriorated and need replacement so the plant can continue to operate properly. The project involves repairs to the plant in addition to the replacement of the top plate, weir, compressor, valves, fittings, and tub settlers. Electric heat will also be installed in the building.
"Our existing plant has been in operation for several years providing safe clean drinking water for area residents," said Mayor Gibbons. "Over that period several components of the system has deteriorated and need replacement so we can continue to operate safely."
"I am very pleased to see funding approved to upgrade and replace the more than 30-year old water pumping system at Lumsden," said Harry Harding, MHA for Bonavista North. "This will ensure that the people of Lumsden have a top-quality water system for many years to come."
The federal government will contribute $138,024 towards the project while the provincial government will contribute $234,641. The Town of Lumsden will provide $41,407.
The Canada-NL MRIF Agreement is administered jointly by the Department of Municipal Affairs on behalf of the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, and the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, on behalf of Infrastructure Canada.
FOR BROADCAST USE:
The Town of Lumsden will upgrade its water treatment plant through funding provided by the Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund. The $414,000 project will assist the town in replacing several components of the town's existing water treatment plant.
The funding announcement was made today by Minister Keith Ashfield, Minister of State for ACOA; Dianne Whalen, Minister of Municipal Affairs; and Lumsden Mayor Jeanette Gibbons.
- 30 -
INFORMATION:
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 Jeannette Gibbons
Office of the Mayor
Town of Lumsden
709-530-2309
