St. Marys, Ontario, May 2, 2008 - Gary Schellenberger, Member of Parliament for Perth-Wellington, today announced the Government of Canada will consider the upgrading of the wastewater treatment plant in the Separated Town of St. Marys, Ontario, as a priority for up to $1,164,898 in federal infrastructure funding.
The federal contribution would be up to one-third of total eligible costs, which are estimated at $3,494,695.
"The environment, and the safety and security of Canadians are clear priorities for our Government," said MP Schellenberger. "Supporting upgrades to this wastewater treatment plant is one of the ways our Government will deliver results for the residents of St. Marys."
"It is important that our wastewater be treated efficiently in order to reduce any impact on our environment," said Jamie Hahn, Mayor of the Separated Town of St. Marys. "These upgrades will be a demonstration of leading-edge wastewater treatment techniques to the industry."
This project involves newly developing technology which will reduce sludge volumes by condensing, while at the same time, sterilizing pathogens to produce a safe, nutrient rich, organic fertilizer. The process will optimize existing sludge storage capacity at the wastewater treatment plant.
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.
For more information, visit www.infrastructure.gc.ca.
Gary Long
Office of Gary Schellenberger,
MP for Perth-Wellington
519-273-1400
Laryssa Waler
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Tony Clement
613-957-0200
