How Mike Brown and the Liberals are draining Algoma

NEWS RELEASE - MIKE BROWN, MPP

********************** New approach to municipal drainage will build stronger communities Program will enhance Northern rural infrastructure

The Ontario government is enhancing rural infrastructure by introducing a new model to fund municipal drainage projects, said Mike Brown, MPP for Algoma-Manitoulin

"This government recognizes the importance of a good drainage system to the infrastructure of our Northern rural communities and our agricultural operations," said Brown.

"The new Agricultural Drainage Infrastructure Program will help agricultural landowners and Northern 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 Northern and rural municipalities and farmers to provide new solutions for enhancing rural infrastructure," said Brown.

"Together, we will build better farms, a better economy and a better Ontario."

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