Stratford, Ontario, April 4, 2008 - Gary Schellenberger, Member of Parliament for Perth-Wellington, today announced the Government of Canada will consider the replacement of a section of the sanitary trunk sewer in the City of Stratford as a priority for up to $644,641 in federal infrastructure funding.
The federal contribution would be up to one-third of total eligible costs, which are estimated at $1,933,924.
"Maintaining a healthy and clean environment is directly related to the health and prosperity of communities and their residents, and is a priority for our Government," said MP Schellenberger. "Supporting the replacement of a section of the sanitary trunk sewer is one of the ways we will deliver results for the residents of Stratford."
"This support is critical for our municipality as we face the challenges of aging infrastructure," said Dan Mathieson, Mayor of the City of Stratford. "We are very grateful to the federal government for committing to such an important project for our residents."
The project involves the replacement of a section of the sanitary trunk sewer on Brydges Street from Oak Street to Home Street on the south side of the city. The upgrades will increase wastewater collection capacity and strengthen the sanitary sewer system.
Funding for this project comes from the $200 million announced in March 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, 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.
