Sarnia, Ontario, April 23, 2008 - Residents of Sarnia will see improvements to their wastewater system thanks to an investment of $921,155 through the federal Gas Tax Fund.
The performance and efficiency of the Sarnia Water Pollution Control Centre will improve through the replacement of a chemical metering pump, upgrades to the computerized control system and heating and ventilation equipment, and the installation of a flow measurement device to reduce energy consumption.
Upgrades to the Sarnia Water Pollution Control Centre will reduce the negative impacts of municipal wastewater effluent and improve the health and safety of the community.
Pat Davidson, Member of Parliament for Sarnia-Lambton, on behalf of the Honourable Lawrence Cannon, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities, along with Sarnia Mayor Mike Bradley, announced today the Government of Canada's contribution through the Gas Tax Fund.
"Effective modern infrastructure is needed to ensure the quality of life of Canadians," said MP Davidson. "Through our support of the Water Pollution Control Centre, we are investing in wastewater systems that will help to protect both human health and the long-term viability of Canada's aquatic environments."
"This investment supports the direction of Sarnia City Council in the last decade with a vigorous and dedicated campaign to improve the water quality of the St. Clair River by sewer separation, retention tanks and a $34 million upgrade of the Sarnia Sewage Treatment Plant," said Mayor Bradley. "The support of the federal government and the local Member of Parliament is greatly appreciated in continuing this commitment that will allow us to virtually eliminate or mitigate municipal pollution into the St. Clair River by 2012."
The Government of Canada has provided the City of Sarnia with over $2.3 million dollars through the federal Gas Tax Fund to date. In 2008 alone, the City of Sarnia will be receiving an additional $1.1 million to spend on local priorities, including $92,924 towards the upgrade of the LaSalle Road pumping station and $550,000 for improvements to the Brights Grove Sewage System. As well, federal funding from the Gas Tax Fund is also delivered to the County of Lambton. From 2005-2010, the County of Lambton will receive $10 million for regional priorities.
To provide stable, long-term funding, Budget 2008 extends the Gas Tax Fund at
$2 billion per year beyond 2013-14 and makes it permanent. A permanent Gas Tax Fund will provide municipalities with a reliable source of funds that will help them better plan and finance their infrastructure needs. Budget 2008 also provides up to $500 million, to be allocated among provinces and territories on a per capita basis, in support of investments in public transit capital.
Through its unprecedented $33 billion Building Canada infrastructure plan, the Government of Canada is providing long-term, stable and predictable funding to help meet infrastructure needs across Canada. Building Canada will focus on infrastructure investments that contribute to cleaner air, water and land.
