Woolwich, Ontario, February 19, 2008 - Harold Albrecht, Member of Parliament for Kitchener-Conestoga, on behalf of the Honourable Lawrence Cannon, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities, today announced the Government of Canada will consider the replacement of watermains in the township of Woolwich as a priority for up to $600,000 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 $1.8 million.
“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 Albrecht. “Supporting the replacement of watermains is one of the ways we will deliver results in this priority area.”
“It’s great to see Harold and the federal government step up to the plate,” said William Strauss, Mayor of the Township of Woolwich. “This watermain project is badly needed and it’s great to finally get the funding.”
The project involves the replacement of existing watermains with a new PVC system that will conform to current design standards. Replacing this ageing infrastructure will improve the water quality and capabilities of the water supply system.
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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