Attention News Editors:

Government of Canada supports construction of watermains in Dawn-Euphemia

    DRESDEN, ON, May 20 /CNW/ - 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.
    "The environment, and the safety and security of Canadians are clear
priorities 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.

    For more information, visit www.infrastructure.gc.ca

For further information: Holly Gray, Office of Bev Shipley, MP for
Lambton-Kent-Middlesex, (613) 947-4581; Laryssa Waler, Press Secretary, Office
of the Honourable Tony Clement, (613) 957-0200