Roadwork, municipal infrastructure 2009 highlights for Burke

Monies for roadwork and municipal projects, such as a $1.5 million provincial government investment for the Town of St. George's to upgrade its water system, are among the many highlights for St. Georges-Stephenville East MHA Joan Burke over the past year.

Access to funding for infrastructure has been a struggle in the past for some smaller Bay St. George communities. The MHA says she has noticed a big difference since the province changed cost-sharing ratios.

"Since we've changed the ratio from 50/50 to 90/10 for smaller communities and 80/20 for Stephenville, it's been a real difference," she says. "The communities just seem like they're able to move ahead much better."

She notes the St. George's water system project and future plans for Stephenville Crossing Main St. upgrades as two communities who hope to meet infrastructure needs through accessing this funding.

MHA Burke points to the airport in Stephenville as one of the district's bigger concerns over the last year.

"The rally we had [for the airport] was in September and we've been waiting for that business plan," she says. "I know it takes significant work to get developed. We'll just have to be patient and wait for it."

Roadwork in her district will continue through 2010, says the MHA, with the continued replacement of bridges in Bay St. George South - Fischell's River Bridge, Flat Bay Bridge, Robinson's River Bridge and Middle Barachois Brook Bridge.

The MHA says she has heard concerns from residents about the condition of Stephenville Crossing's Gut Bridge and about the bridge in Barachois Brook being in poor shape and has reported those concerns to the Department of Transportation.

"I understand that the Gut Bridge, as we call it, is a sound structure, although cosmetically it is in rough shape on top, but the structure itself is sound."

She says she understands the Barachois Brook bridge to also be in good shape structurally and hasn't heard it is necessary to close it or rebuild the structure.

In terms of district successes, the MHA points to new provincial policies that will in turn trickle down to help area residents.

The elimination of provincial student loan interest; increasing the minimum wage; and, expanding the Newfoundland and Labrador prescription drug program are some of these successes.

"So although it's not district specific, there will be people in the district who will benefit from all this," she says.

Looking toward the year ahead, MHA Burke says she would like to continue to work with town councils to advance their municipal infrastructure projects.

"I think that's really important. And I'd also really like to be able to work with the area development council in Bay St. George South because they certainly have come together to represent the issues there."

Along with being MHA for St. George's - Stephenville East, Minister Burke is Minister of the newly formed Department of Child, Youth and Family Services; she is also the Government House Leader.

"When you combine all the different roles it certainly makes for a busy year and certainly lots of challenges and I feel that I'm eager to take on these challenges and work every single day within the district and within my roles."