Dresden, Ontario — Bev Shipley, Member of Parliament for Lambton-Kent-Middlesex, today announced the Government of Canada will consider the construction of watermains in Township of Dawn-Euphemia as a priority for up to $87,887 in federal infrastructure funding.

The federal contribution would be up to one-third of total eligible costs, which are estimated at $263,663.

“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 construction of these watermains is one of the ways we will deliver results for the residents of Dawn-Euphemia.”

“Today’s announcement allows us to proceed with looping of waterlines, which will improve the integrity of our water system, an important community initiative,” said Bill Bilton, Mayor of the Township of Dawn-Euphemia. “These improvements will help protect our water system and our residents.”

This project includes the construction of approximately 4,500 metres of watermain to connect four existing dead-end watermains. The looping of this water system will provide improved capacity to deliver peak-hour flows at acceptable pressure in the far reaches of the service area. It will also maintain adequate levels of chlorine residuals throughout the distribution system.

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.