Aylmer, Ontario — Joe Preston, Member of Parliament for Elgin-Middlesex-London, today announced the Government of Canada will consider improvements to the sewer system in the Town of Aylmer as a priority for up to $307,847 in federal infrastructure funding.

The federal contribution would be up to one-third of total eligible costs, which are estimated at $923,540.

“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 Preston. “Supporting the improvements to the sewer system is one of the ways we will deliver results for the residents of Aylmer.”

“We are pleased to be working in partnership with the federal government to restore our local infrastructure,” said Bob Habkirk, Mayor of the Town of Aylmer. “These upgrades will provide an improved wastewater system we can be confident about.”

The project involves separating combined sewers by constructing new sanitary and storm sewers on Rutherford Avenue, from Talbot Street to South Street. It also includes the replacement of watermains and road restoration. The work is part of a larger project to improve wastewater management capacity in Aylmer.

Funding for this project comes from the $200 million announced in March 2007, to top up the Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund (MRIF) nation-wide. The Government of Canada is directing $64 million in funding to existing clean water applications under 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.