ST. JOHN’S — The Government of Canada has transferred more than $16 million to Newfoundland and Labrador under the Canada Community-Building Fund (CCBF) to help communities across the province invest in local infrastructure priorities.

This is the first of two payments to Newfoundland and Labrador. The next payment is expected to be made prior to the end of the fiscal year.

As part of the agreement, Newfoundland and Labrador will receive more than $168.7 million over the next five years, including more than $32.1 million this year.

The CCBF provides communities with funding across 19 different project categories, including drinking water, wastewater, public transit and community energy systems and helps them develop the required infrastructure for future housing developments, indicates a release.