Today, the Honourable Derek Bennett, Minister of Environment, Climate Change and Municipalities, announced that approximately 250 applications have been approved to date under the new $23.54 million COVID-19 Stimulus Program with a small number of projects still being assessed.
Projects approved include upgrades and renovations to municipal buildings and fire halls, as well as improvements to recreational infrastructure such as parks, playgrounds and trails. Over 400,000 hours of employment is expected to be generated through the program. A list of communities approved for projects to date is available here.
The COVID-19 Stimulus Program was created to help provide short-term employment and to stimulate economic activity through community projects. The funding is based on a 90/10 cost shared ratio.
The program is in addition to the $27.4 million announced under the Safe Restart Agreement in response to COVID-19. Payments to all municipalities under the Safe Restart Agreement have been issued.
The Provincial Government has also allocated approximately $600,000 in funding through the Special Assistance Grant program for arenas and pools throughout the province to help municipalities that encountered additional expenses and lost revenue as a result of COVID-19.
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“I am pleased to see the large participation rate for the COVID-19 Stimulus Program. The funding will provide an economic boost through projects that support residents and enhance communities. We have worked together to overcome the challenges of 2020 and we will continue to do so in the new year.”
Honourable Derek Bennett
Minister of Environment, Climate Change and Municipalities
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Learn More
News Release: Safe Restart Agreement Funding Issued to Municipalities
News Release: Provincial Government Announces Funding for Arenas and Pools in Response to COVID-19
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Media contact
Lynn Robinson
Environment, Climate Change and Municipalities
709-729-5449, 691-9466
lynnrobinson@gov.nl.ca