For Release: February 22, 2005

NEW APPROACH TO MUNICIPAL DRAINAGE
WILL BUILD STRONGER COMMUNITIES
Program Will Enhance Rural Infrastructure

TORONTO - The Ontario government is enhancing rural infrastructure by introducing a new model to fund municipal drainage projects, Minister of Agriculture and Food Steve Peters announced today.

"This government recognizes the importance of a good drainage system to the infrastructure of our rural communities and our agricultural operations," said Peters. "The new Agricultural Drainage Infrastructure Program will help agricultural landowners and rural municipalities cover the costs of drainage infrastructure."

The $6 million Agricultural Drainage Infrastructure Program (ADIP-) will:

• Provide grants to agricultural landowners for up to one third of the costs for new drain construction or improvement projects, and for maintenance work
  
• Cover up to two thirds of the costs for this same work in Northern Ontario
  
• Provide municipalities with grants to cover one half of the costs of employing a drainage superintendent.

To better manage the program, the government will more clearly define grant eligibility, project costs and agricultural land ownership, as well as establish timelines for submitting grant applications. The Ministry of Agriculture and Food will work with stakeholders on grant criteria and any required legislative amendments.

"We are meeting the commitment we made to rural municipalities and farmers to provide new solutions for enhancing rural infrastructure," said Peters. "Together, we will build better farms, a better economy and a better Ontario."

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Contact:
Jamie Rilett
Minister Peters' Office
(416) 326-6439
(416) 458-2610 (Mobile)