District of Port Edward among the successful in the Northwest from Friday's Gas Tax funding announcement

The latest roll out of funding for community infrastructure projects through the Gas Tax Fund was announced on Friday afternoon, welcome news for many communities across British Columbia who can now move forward with a range of infrastructure programs.

As part of Friday's announcement, a number of communities from across  the Northwest and on Haida Gwaii  also found success from their application work, with the funding now making for a green light for some long anticipated projects.

Amarjeet Sohi, the Minister of Infrastructure and Communities outlined the focus of the program for the  Federal Government:

“I am pleased to see the important work that will be done across British Columbia thanks to the federal Gas Tax Fund,”  ... “Whether a community needs to expand its recreational centre, repair roads, or make energy-saving upgrades, the Government of Canada will continue to invest in the local infrastructure Canadians want and need.”

Sharing in the distribution of the funding on the day for the Province was Selina Robinson, British Columbia's Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, she outlined the partnerships that the province is building towards delivering on these projects:

“I’m thrilled to know that all of these projects are going forward, because I know they will make a positive impact for people in B.C.,” ... “Our government is committed to working with local governments throughout the province to make life better for all British Columbians. This is a great example of strong partnerships working together for the benefit of people in the community.”

From Friday's announcement, there were 112 projects  listed in the Approved and Conditionally approved intake list, a document which is compiled from applications submitted from 2017.

The total value of all of the projects listed from Friday's announcement was $192,915,737.50.

The District of Port Edward was the only community on the North Coast noted in Friday's announcement, with $50,000 in funding to be provided for Asset Management for the community.

Elsewhere in the Northwest interior, The Regional District of Kitimat Stikine was highlighted in two funding announcements from last week:

Close to five million dollars ($4,787,600.00) for the Two Mile Community Water System Design and Construction. 

$125,000 for the Regional District of Kitimat-Stikine Asset Management Program

In the Bulkley Valley, Telkwa received welcome news, with $3,603,000.000 allocated towards  the Trobak Hill Reservoir project.

Granisle received $5,067,300.00 for construction of a water treatment plant, with an additional $312, 000 directed towards an infrastructure and facility asset condition assessment.

To the North, Stewart also received some significant funding, with close to five million dollars ($4,888,250.00) directed to that community for work on Essential Drinking Water System Upgrades.

On Haida Gwaii, The Village of Queen Charlotte has been awarded $4,070,210.00 for work on a Transportation Network Improvement plan.

You can review the (full list here) of communities that found success from the work that they put towards their funding applications from 2017.

The details behind Friday's announcement can be found here, while background on what the Federal Gas Tax Fund is all about can be reviewed here.

Prince Rupert Mayor Lee Brain happened to be in Victoria as the announcement on grant funding was announced, making for the latest  stop on what has been a very busy travel schedule so far this year.

The Mayor, through his Facebook page, made note of his two days of meetings with MLA Jennifer Rice and members of the NDP cabinet.

The short update did not indicate if Prince Rupert had found any success for many of the issues that the City has raised in recent weeks, particularly as they continue to work on their Five year financial plan and 2018 Budget.

There was also no mention of the  near 200 million dollar Gas Tax Funding roll out of earlier in the day last Friday and what plans Prince Rupert may have in motion in order to share in any future funding opportunities.

For more items of interest related to the work of the MLA in Victoria see our archive page here.

Notes on the discussion topics from Prince Rupert City Council can be found through our Council Discussion archive here.



Cross posted from the North Coast Review