Residents of Niagara will benefit from federal and provincial infrastructure funding under the Infrastructure Stimulus Fund, to upgrade roads, hiking trails, and water and wastewater services, announced today by the Honourable Rob Nicholson, P.C., Q.C., Member of Parliament for Niagara Falls, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, and Kim Craitor, Member of Provincial Parliament for Niagara Falls. These projects are just one example of both governments’ commitment to stimulating the Ontario economy through the creation of jobs in our communities.

These projects will enhance local facilities and services, and create local jobs.

“Under the leadership of Prime Minister Stephen Harper, our Government is getting shovels in the ground and flowing money faster to stimulate the economy and create jobs for Ontarians,” said Minister Nicholson. “Thanks to the strong relationship between our two governments, we can work together to help Ontario communities and the economy thrive immediately and in the future.”

“Under the leadership of Premier Dalton McGuinty, Ontario is leading the way,” said Mr. Craitor. We are creating jobs and the decisions announced today will soon lead to improved transportation and enhanced facilities and services in our community. Our governments are working together to modernize infrastructure - creating a competitive advantage that attracts business and strengthens our economy today and into the future.”

The governments of Canada and Ontario will each invest up to $16.9 million into six local infrastructure projects. The Regional Municipality of Niagara, The City of Niagara Falls, The Town of Fort Erie, and The Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake, will each contribute the balance of the total eligible costs for each of their respective projects up to $50.8 million.

These projects are six of 1,190 across the province that will break ground thanks to $1.23 billion in joint federal and provincial funding. Together with funded applicant contributions, the total investment in local infrastructure improvements under this intake exceeds $1.85 Billion in Ontario. The governments of Canada and Ontario have taken steps to get shovels in the ground and to flow money faster for targeted infrastructure projects starting in the 2009 construction season.