March 1, 2010
Canada-British Columbia Partnership Creates Jobs, Stimulates Economy in Nechako Lakes

Fort St. James – Residents of Fort St. James and Burns Lake will benefit from federal and provincial infrastructure funding to upgrade two local forestry service roads fulfilling both governments’ ongoing commitment to stimulate the British Columbia economy.

Improving transportation efficiency and creating local jobs, the two projects include Fort St. James’ Driftwood Forest Service relocation and realignment and Burns Lakes’ Ridler Forest Service Road construction.

“Under the leadership of Prime Minister Stephen Harper, our Government is building and upgrading the infrastructure needed to help stimulate the economy and create jobs for British Columbians,” says the Honourable Jay Hill, Leader of the Government in the House of Commons and Member of Parliament for Prince George-Peace River. “As we enter the second phase of Canada’s Economic Action Plan, our Government’s priority will continue to be the rapid implementation of projects so that we can continue to build a strong economy for the future.”

“We are continuing to target infrastructure funds at improving the transportation networks for northern communities,” says Nechako Lakes MLA John Rustad. “Jobs will be created in the construction of these roads that will aid in our economic development long into the future.”

The Driftwood Forest Service Road project will upgrade and realign over 14 kilometres to address long-term safety for recreational and community traffic along this industrial use road.  Work will include widening to full relocation/realignment where possible. The federal government will contribute $237, 500 and the provincial government will invest up to $284,000 in the project.

The Ridler Forest Service Road project consists of the upgrade of 1.7 kilometres in order to access a new park south of Burns Lake.  The road will facilitate the construction of new recreational sites within the park for which the Burns Lake has received funding to construct.  These plans have been in the concept stage for over 10 years. The Governments of Canada and British Columbia will each invest up to $150,000 in the project.

These projects are among 15, announced on March 1, 2010, across the province that will break ground thanks to close to $35.4 million in joint federal and provincial funding. The Governments of Canada and British Columbia have taken steps to get shovels in the ground and to flow money faster for targeted infrastructure projects starting in the 2010 construction season.

For more information on Canada’s Economic Action Plan, please visit  www.actionplan.gc.ca. The website www.creatingjobs.gc.ca has more information on federal infrastructure investments in British Columbia.

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