East Ferris to receive disaster relief assistance

Nipissing MPP Monique Smith
News Release

*********************

Ontario is helping the Township of East Ferris repair damage caused by severe flooding earlier this year.

East Ferris will receive up to $1.056 million through the Ontario Disaster Relief Assistance Program, which will supplement local fundraising efforts to assist residents.

Following a severe rainstorm on August 5, 2008, the Townships of East Ferris and Bonfield were declared disaster areas, making them eligible for financial assistance through the Ontario Disaster Relief Assistance Program. The funding will be used to repair roads and culverts that were damaged in the storm.

QUOTES

“This funding will help the Township of East Ferris in their recovery efforts and ensure that the community has safe roads,” said Nipissing MPP Monique Smith. “After my visits to the sites in August I was aware of the need and I am pleased that our government could assist the Township of East Ferris in this crisis.”

“I am elated that the Ontario government has provided this much needed funding to the community of East Ferris,” said Mayor Bill Vrebosch. ”I would like to thank MPP Monique Smith for her commitment to the community by visiting the site to see first-hand the extent of the damage and for working to ensure this funding was delivered. Without this ODRAP funding East Ferris would have been driven back 5 years in its infrastructure programs. In very tough times the Ontario government has still been able to support our two communities.”

“We will help the municipalities get through this difficult time,” said Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing Jim Watson.

QUICK FACTS

• On August 5, 2008, a severe rainstorm caused localized flooding in the Townships of East Ferris, Bonfield and Machar. Many roads were significantly damaged, as well as a number of homes and small businesses.

• Municipalities that experience unusual financial difficulties due to a natural disaster may request financial assistance through the Ontario Disaster Relief Assistance Program to cover extraordinary, incremental public damages costs up to 100 per cent.

*********************