A new week and a new announcement of infrastructure funding for the City of St. John’s, this time for more than $46 million worth of projects on 50-50 split between the city and the province.
Of that, $2.8 million will be used to cover overruns on the new Goulds pump station project, seeing it through. It is expected to come in at $11.5 million.
A large portion of the announced, joint funding will go toward the city’s list of required fixes for streets and bridges.
There are some other, specific items worth noting, including a $950,000 spend to add pavement and parking on Cadet Road, at the entrance to Quidi Vidi Village. The city wants to include three tour bus stalls there.
“Cost sharing these projects with the provincial government allows us to undertake construction and renewal of our infrastructure at an affordable cost,” said Mayor Danny Breen, who spoke to the funding alongside Municipal Affairs and Environment Minister Andrew Parsons at city hall Wednesday morning.
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The Telegram asked Parsons why there was another press conference for city infrastructure money, so soon after Friday’s joint announcement involving all three levels of government.
That was different funds, through different funding programs.
“These (announcements) are the product of a significant amount of work and co-operation, so I think it is good news,” he said, adding it is also good to note the practical construction work that is getting done.
Ward 5 councilor Wally Collins said spending on the basics and a clear interest in funding water and wastewater infrastructure has benefitted his area. For example, the new Goulds pump station will be able to serve all of Goulds and some of Kilbride. Beyond existing needs, it will also be able to handle future residential growth.
As another example, new culverts are to be installed at Bishops’ Line, to increase capacity and cut down on surface flooding in hard rain. “Storm (water) is a big issue in our way, because every time it rains the shoulders of the road are washed out, culverts, driveways,” Collins said.
Parsons said the province is working on other priorities with the city right now.
While it was not specifically mentioned, in terms of funding, The Telegram has reported on a required upgrade to the Riverhead Wastewater Treatment Facility, at a pricetag now estimated at over $200 million. It is expected to be cost shared by all levels of government, but with funding yet to be announced.
