An acquired brain injury (ABI) assessment and rehabilitation centre to be built in Sudbury, proposed by the Ontario March of Dimes, has gotten a leg up from FedNor, after the agency put forward more than $325,000 in funding on May 5.

The funding will be used in the planning and design of the 8840 square foot centre.

The ABI centre would provide several services, including emotional, behavioural and communications support, as well as community orientation and life skills training.

The March of Dimes is also seeking operational funding for the rehabilitation and research centre from the provincial government.

"We are very excited about hte positive impact FedNor funding will have on our ability to create a world-class acquired brain injury care home to service the people of this region," Sherry Frizzell, the regional independent living manager for the Ontario March of Dimes, said in a press release.

"Once complete, this new facility will become a regional resource for those in need of the specialized services that can be provided by Ontario March of Dimes in a safe and appropriate setting."

The funding announcement was made on May 5 by Tony Clement, Minister of Industry and the Minister responsible for FedNor.

"(This) will not only create jobs to fuel the local economy, it will also pave the way for the establishment of new services here in northern Ontario," Clement said.

For more information about FedNor, visit http://ic.gc.ca/FedNor.

For more information about the March of Dimes, visit www.marchofdimes.ca.