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October 12, 2006
Infrastructure Program Officially Launches
Kelowna, British Columbia — Applications for funding under the Canada-British Columbia Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund (CBCMRIF) are now being sought, following the official launch of the new joint federal-provincial program.
Effective Thursday, October 12th, communities and not-for-profit organizations are eligible to make an application online. Applications will be accepted until January 31, 2007. It is anticipated all funding from the current agreement will be allocated by Summer 2007.
The Honourable Lawrence Cannon, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities, Member of Parliament (Kelowna – Lake Country) Ron Cannan, on behalf on the Honourable Carol Skelton, Minister National Revenue and Minister of Western Economic Diversification, and BC Minister of Community Services Ida Chong along with Councillor Marvin Hunt, President of the Union of British Columbia Municipalities (UBCM), made the announcement at the Poplar Point Pump Station.
“Through the Canada-British Columbia Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund, all orders of government are working in partnership to improve the strength and sustainability of British Columbia communities,” said Minister Cannon. “This new funding will support the approach of Canada’s New Government to environmental protection.”
“Our Government is strengthening Canada’s economic growth and prosperity through investments in our communities vital infrastructure,” said Mr. Cannan. “This new infrastructure program will help address British Columbia’s infrastructure needs and improve the quality life for all its residents.”
Under the CBCMRIF agreement announced in June, the federal and provincial governments will each commit $51 million, and participating local governments are expected to match this amount, for a total benefit to British Columbia of over $150 million.
“Through this infrastructure program communities have the ability to select priority projects and make an application to the program to help make them a reality,” said Minister Chong. “In addition to the funding that is now available, our two governments are looking forward to future discussions on how B.C. communities will be able to tap into the $2.2 billion in federal funding set aside earlier this year for infrastructure.”
A minimum of 80 per cent of funding will be targeted towards communities with a population of less than 250,000. At least 60 per cent of funding will go to “green” projects helping rural communities and towns address drinking water supply, treatment and distribution needs; improve local wastewater and storm-water sewage treatment; enhance public transit and support environmental energy improvements. Up to 40 per cent of the remaining funding will support local roads, culture, tourism, recreation and connectivity projects.
“I am encouraged that this program is now underway and communities can apply for funding to address some of their priority infrastructure needs,” said Councillor Hunt, President of the Union of British Columbia Municipalities.
The Government of Canada, through the Department of Western Economic Diversification Canada, and the Province of BC and the Union of British Columbia Municipalities (UBCM) will jointly implement the program.
Complete program application details are available online at www.canadabcmrif.ca.
For additional information, contact:
|
Karl Yeh |
Dave Crebo |
WD Toll-Free Number:
1 888 338-WEST (9378) |