Watford, Ontario, April 4, 2008 - Bev Shipley, Member of Parliament for Lambton-Kent-Middlesex, today announced the Government of Canada will consider upgrades to the Watford Lagoons and Pump Station in the Township of Warwick as a priority for up to $2,299,088 in federal infrastructure funding.
The federal contribution would be up to one-third of total eligible costs, which are estimated at $6,897,264.
"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 Shipley. "Supporting the upgrading of the Watford Lagoons and Pump Station is one of the ways we will deliver results for the residents of Warwick."
"Respect for our environment is critical for the future of our community," said Todd Case, Mayor of the Township of Warwick. "The Government of Canada's support for these upgrades will help reduce the impact on our environment and improve quality of life for residents."
This project involves replacing the existing pump station, retrofitting the existing lagoons, improving the level of treatment, and adding biosolids storage facilities. The project will provide storage capacity for the community, a higher level of treatment, as well as safer and more efficient operation with a new pump station.
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.
