Alvinston, Ontario — Bev Shipley, Member of Parliament for Lambton-Kent-Middlesex, today announced the Government of Canada will consider the construction of a communal sewage collection system in the Township of Brooke-Alvinston as a priority for up to $123,653 in federal infrastructure funding.

The federal contribution would be up to one-third of total eligible costs, which are estimated at $307,847.

“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 Bev Shipley. “Supporting the construction of this communal sewage collection system is one of the ways we will deliver results for the residents of Brooke-Alvinston.”

“We thank the federal government for their commitment to our project,” said Don McGugan, Mayor for the Township of Brooke-Alvinston. “The new design of the sewage collection system will minimize energy use and environmental impact.”

This project involves the construction of a communal sewage collection system, in the community of Inwood, including gravity sewers, a pumping station, a forcemain to Alvinston, as well as the expansion of the sludge management facilities at the Alvinston Sewage Treatment Plant. The new facility will improve 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.