Today in Port Stanley, Joe Preston, Member of Parliament for Elgin-Middlesex- London announced that the federal government would provide $100, 000 to Central Elgin for a feasibility study and business plan.

Transport Canada has continued to meet regularly with the Municipality in an effort to divest the Port Stanley Port Facility.  It was determined that the municipality required capacity funding to assess the feasibility of entering into an agreement.

Preston announced “the divestiture is an extremely large project for this community.  I am glad to assist with funds to help plan the future.”

Sylvia Hofhuis, Mayor of Central Elgin, was on site for the announcement stating that ‘the announcement provides the vital financing Central Elgin needed to help us prepare our wish list and thoroughly review it so we end up with a total harbour package that serves the best interest of the municipality.”

Transport Canada and the Municipality of Central Elgin continue to meet regularly in hopes that negotiations will be completed in 2010.