Re: MVCA on who will pay for dams

Michael Fetzer | Jun 08, 2016

The May 26 article (MVCA on who will pay for dams in North Frontenac, May 26/16) on who may be liable for costs associated with Mississippi River dam repair/replacement was more reassuring than the initial April report, which alluded to possible taxes/assessments limited to landowners with waterfront property, but many questions were left un-addressed by the recent article.

For example, inasmuch as the province of Ontario earlier supplied as much as 85% of the necessary infrastructure funding, who, when and by what authority, rationale and method has it been determined that the province now will pony up as little as half the current expense?

Has the MVCA determined to accept this condition, and why and by whom, or what steps are being taken by MVCA to pursue enhanced funding at the provincial level? Is there benefit to a public campaign to lobby provincial legislators, given that the dams facilitate economic, environmental, recreational, resource and other significant benefits for virtually every person, business and other entity located within the watershed and beyond? Who at MVCA is coordinating action? In determining how to assess costs to each of the 11 MVCA member jurisdictions, what experts has or will MVCA consult for guidance and what mechanisms exist to solicit public/taxpayer input, and on what schedule? When will plans for construction and funding be finalized? How were dam replacement costs calculated, and is there reasonable confidence in their accuracy so they can be relied upon in pursuing funding and avoiding cost overruns? I hope the Frontenac News will keep readers regularly informed on the progress of this particular matter.