Ramara, Ontario, April 4, 2008 - Bruce Stanton, Member of Parliament for Simcoe North, today announced the Government of Canada will consider the upgrading of the Lagoon City Sewage Treatment Plant in the Township of Ramara as a pr riority for up to $287,400 in federal infrastructure funding.
The federal contribution would be up to one-third of total eligible costs, which are estimated at $862,200.
"Maintaining a healthy and clean environment is directl y related to the health and prosperity of communities and their residents, and is a priority for our Government," said MP Stanton. "Supporting the upgrading of the Lagoon City Sewage Treatment Plant is one of the ways we will deliver results f or the residents of Ramara."
"Ensuring a sustainable environment is directly related to the health and prosperity of our community," said Bill Duffy, Mayor of the Township of Ramara. "Thanks to this federal support, we wil l be able to improve the sewage treatment plant and provide a safer environment for our residents."
The project consists of adding ultraviolet disinfection and a third clarifier to the Lagoon City Sewage Treatment Plant, as well as modifyi ng and expanding the plant's biosolids facility. These upgrades will increase the plant's capacity and improve wastewater treatment.
Funding for this project comes from the $200 million announced in March 2007, to top up the Municipa l 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 m eeting 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 a nd accounted for, and the signing of a contribution agreement for the project detailing the project elements and any other federal requirements.
James Nicol
Office of Bruce Stanton,
MP for Simcoe North
613-992-6582
Laryssa Waler
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Tony Clement
613-957-0200