Varna, Ontario, May 22, 2008 - Member of Parliament Gary Schellenberger, on behalf of the Honourable Tony Clement, Minister responsible for infrastructure programming in Ontario, today announced the Government of Canada will consider upgrades to the Zurich sewage treatment facility in the Municipality of Bluewater as a priority for up to $1,050,975 in federal infrastructure funding.
The federal contribution would be up to one-third of total eligible costs, which are estimated at $3,152,925.
"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 upgrading of the Zurich sewage treatment facility is one of the ways we will deliver results for the residents of Bluewater."
"Our residents' safety and well-being is important," said Bill Dowson, Mayor of the Municipality of Bluewater. "We appreciate the assistance of the federal government in helping us to meet the significant costs associated with this type of project."
The project consists of upgrading and expanding the existing sanitary sewage pumping and treatment facilities that service the former village of Zurich, including lagoon sludge cleanout as necessary, the addition of effluent sand filters, the installation of a diffused air aeration system and chemical feed facilities, and distribution pumping and piping facilities. It also includes the upgrading of the existing main sewage pumping station, including new pumps and controls. These upgrades will improve local 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.
For more information, visit www.infrastructure.gc.ca.
Laryssa Waler
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Tony Clement
613-957-0200
