Hamilton MP demanding Randle Reef funds

David Christopherson is standing in question period this afternoon to pressure the federal government to commit to Randle Reef.

The Hamilton Centre MP will ask the government to commit one-third of the cost to clean up of the coal tar contaminated site just offshore from U.S. Steel.

The proposed clean up will cost $138.9 million. Local governments have committed their $46.3-million share, but the provincial and federal governments have yet to do so.

The clean up is a joint commitment between the federal and provincial governments, the Hamilton Port Authority, the City of Hamilton, the City of Burlington, U.S. Steel and the Halton Region.

U.S. Steel is contributing 10,000 tonnes of hot rolled steel sheet and an additional 700 tonnes of steel products that will be used in constructing the containment facility.

Environment Canada is expected to prepare its treasury board submission to obtain approval of its $46.3-million contribution, says an update from city staff. It is expected to be submitted in late November.

"Our real concern is the province," Coun. Brian McHattie said.

Any additional political pressure is valuable, he said.

"It's tremendous assistance, and our MPs and MPPs play that valuable role for us."