Government of Yukon

PDF

FOR RELEASE     #07-243
November 9, 2007

New Funding for Community Projects

WHITEHORSE – Community Services Minister Glenn Hart today announced a new infrastructure funding program to assist rural communities in dealing with municipal responsibilities such as potable water, wastewater, solid waste and emergency management and response. This fund is being established to respond to specific immediate needs raised during the Premier's 2007 Community Tour.

"The annual community tour provides us with an opportunity to discuss with municipal and local advisory councils what is important for them and the needs of their community," Hart said. "Where feasible, we are taking immediate action to meet the needs of our rural areas, based on their requests."

With respect to municipalities, Community Services will request detailed project proposals to identify projects. Following approval by the minister; the funds will then flow through a contribution agreement. In the case of unincorporated areas, the department will consult with local advisory councils to determine project priority for ministerial review.  The department will then carry out the work on approved projects.

The new infrastructure funding program has a budget of $1.5 million and these funds will go towards the most pressing capital projects that were heard about in rural municipalities and unincorporated communities during the recent community tour.

"These are not large-scale construction projects. This funding will address urgent and immediate needs which are outstanding due to timing and community fiscal limitations," Hart said. "This new program will allow completion of projects for the benefit of our communities."

This infrastructure funding program will commence immediately and municipalities and local area councils will  receive correspondence on the funding opportunity within the next few days.

-30-

Contact:  
Roxanne Vallevand 
Cabinet Communications    
Yukon Government     
(867) 633-7949     
Roxanne.vallevand@gov.yk.ca   		 Doug Caldwell
Communications
Community Services
(867) 667-8065
doug.caldwell@gov.yk.ca