Otonabee-South Monaghan, Ontario, February 22, 2008 - Dean Del Mastro, Member of Parliament for Peterborough, on behalf of the Honourable Lawrence Cannon, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities, today announced the Government of Canada will consider upgrades to the local water system in the township of Otonabee-South Monaghan as a priority for up to $220,475 in federal infrastructure funding.
The federal contribution would be up to one-third of total eligible costs. The total estimated cost of the project is $661,430.
"Maintaining a healthy and sustainable environment is directly related to the health and prosperity of communities and their residents, and is a priority for the Government of Canada," said MP Del Mastro. "Supporting upgrades to the local water system is one of the ways we will deliver results in this priority area."
Dave Nelson, Reeve for Otonabee-South Monaghan reacted positively to the announcement and indicated that the funding would be put toward the provision of potable water for the municipal residential drinking water system users.
The project involves the construction of backup wells for the Keene and Elgeti-Crystal communal water systems. The work includes hydro geological and test drilling programs, constructing, testing and connecting the new backup wells to the existing water systems. These upgrades will provide a more stable and secure water supply for the town.
Funding for this project comes from the $200 million announced in February 2007, to top up the Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund (MRIF) nation-wide. The Government of Canada is directing $64 million in funding to existing clean water applications under MRIF in Ontario.
Federal financial support for the project is conditional on the initiative meeting all applicable eligibility requirements and other program criteria to be approved by Treasury Board, a federal review of the project, the successful completion of an environmental assessment, assurance by the municipality that the remaining project costs have been fully financed and accounted for, and the signing of a contribution agreement for the project detailing the project elements and any other federal requirements.
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Contacts :
Karen Feeley
Executive Assistant
Dean Del Mastro, M.P.
Peterborough
705-745-4594
Infrastructure Canada
613-948-1148
