Chesley, Ontario, April 24, 2008 - Larry Miller, Member of Parliament for Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound, today announced the Government of Canada will consider improvements to the Chesley Sanitary Sewage System in the Municipality of Arran-Elderslie as a priority for up to $1,332,142 in federal infrastructure funding.
The federal contribution would be up to one-third of total eligible costs, which are estimated at $3,996,426.
"With these funds, we are delivering on our commitment to help build strong, sustainable communities which offer a high quality of life for residents," said MP Miller. "Supporting improvements to the Chesley Sanitary Sewage System is one of the ways our Government is delivering results for the residents of Arran-Elderslie."
"It is important that our wastewater system be maintained to protect our environment," said Ron Oswald, Mayor of the Municipality of Arran-Elderslie. "This federal support is welcome news for our community."
The project consists of upgrading the Chesley Riverside Park Sewage Pumping Station, separating the sanitary and storm sewers in the downtown core, and replacing sanitary sewers. These improvements will eliminate sewage bypasses and provide more efficient wastewater management.
Funding for this project comes from the $200 million, announced in March 2007, to top up the Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund (MRIF) nationwide. The Government of Canada is directing $64 million in funding to existing clean water applications under the MRIF in Ontario.
Federal financial support for the project is conditional on the initiative meeting all applicable eligibility requirements and other program criteria, 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.
