The Town of Triton will upgrade its existing water intake and replace the top of its water storage tank with funding of just under $349,000 provided by the federal, provincial and municipal levels of government through 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 Triton Mayor Roy Williams.
“This project will greatly improve the the muncipal water system in the community,” said Minister Ashfield. “Through our investment of just over $116,000, we are helping this rural community improve its infrastructure and the quality of life for its residents.”
”The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is committed to ensuring all residents have access to reliable and efficient infrastructure,” said Minister Whalen. “The provincial investment of over $163,000 will secure the water system for residents of Triton, and supports efforts to promote vibrant, sustainable communities throughout the province.”
Presently the intake is in a shallow section of Triton Pond and is prone to taking up sediment during periods of high winds and occasionally gets clogged with debris. A deeper placement, and the positioning of the new intake off the bottom, should mitigate the water issues related to fouling and make it make it more cost effective to keep it maintained than the current intake design.
“This is much welcomed news for the residents of Card's Harbour Island,” said Ray Hunter, MHA for Grand Falls- Windsor-Green Bay South. “Effective and efficient water services are an essential component of our communities' infrastructure, and this upgrade will serve these residents well for many years to come.”
The federal government will contribute $116,304 towards the project while the provincial government will contribute $163,988. The Town of Triton will provide $68,620.
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 Opportunity Agency, on behalf of Infrastructure Canada.
FOR BROADCAST USE:
The Town of Triton will upgrade its existing water intake and replace the top of its water storage tank through funding provided by the Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund. The $348,000 project to install the intake system, will also involve sand blasting and painting. The funding announcement was made today by ACOA Minister Keith Ashfield and Dianne Whalen, Minister of Municipal Affairs; and Triton Mayor Roy Williams.
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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 Roy Williams
Office of the Mayor
Town of Triton
709-263-2264
