Provincial budget benefits district: Burke

In reviewing the province's fiscal 2010 budget, which was announced March 29, Minister Joan Burke said there were several benefits for residents in her riding of St. George's-Stephenville East.

Among the province's infrastructure investment announcements was $3.6 million to replace the Crabbes River Bridge along the T'Railway Provincial Park in Bay St. George South.

The provincial government had announced last fall they and federal government would cost-share the bridge's replacement, but that agreement didn't materialize.

"Because of the time frame surrounding it, the federal government pulled out their funding and I thought it was important that we get that bridge fixed," said Minister Burke. "The funding for Crabbes River Bridge is to replace the centre pier ... it isn't just putting a bridge up, we have to rebuild that centre block."

The minister also said there was money in the budget to replace Fischells River Bridge, Middle Barachois Bridge, Robinsons River Bridge and upgrading of the Trans Canada from Crabbes River to Fishchells River.

"There's also some funding under the Capital Roads program for some roadwork near Cold Brook," she added.

"I'm not sure what the details are on that yet, but I'll certainly be tracking that down and seeing what it's all about."

While funds were not in the budget to replace the main Gut Bridge in Stephenville Crossing, Minister Burke said she would continue to look at and set priorities for road and bridge projects in her district.

The minister noted funds weren't available in this year's budget for a new provincial courthouse in Stephenville.

"There's no money in the budget right now [for the courthouse], but it's certainly something that I think is still there on government's agenda," she said. "We have a very aggressive infrastructure agenda going forward over the next few years and I'm confident that's going to happen, it's just not in this year's budget."

Other investments

Minister Burke said the budget contained several investments for post-secondary institutions, including monies for enhancements to trade shops at College of the North Atlantic. Funds for a new college headquarters, however, were not part of the fiscal 2010 budget.

"The college sets their priorities as to what they feel their infrastructure needs are," said the minister. "And I think when they look at it, headquarters is always in the mix, but if you're in the business of providing courses in education to the students, it's almost very difficult sometimes to put your headquarters as a priority over classrooms that you need."

She said other funding that would benefit her district included an operating grant for Aboriginal Sport and Recreation Circle, increased funding for the Status of Women council, and two new correctional officer positions for the West Coast Correctional Centre.

"There's also money coming into our municipalities, between our municipal operating grants and our debt servicing subsidy," said the minister. "That total coming into the district is basically $1.6 million - Stephenville is getting $1.2 million of that and Stephenville Crossing is getting $230,000, and St. George's [is getting] $111,000."

While not specifically for her district, Minister Burke said constituents would benefit from this year's budget from such things as lowered income taxes for those in the second and third income brackets, increased eligibility for the provincial prescription drug program, and a continued freeze on tuition at Memorial University and College of the North Atlantic.

editor@thegeorgian.ca