July 22, 2010
Nechako Lakes Communities Get a Boost for Local Priorities

VANDERHOOF – Residents in the Nechako Lakes region will benefit from a total of $805,298 in provincial funding that will be put toward public safety initiatives and important municipal services. The funding is part of a $38.6 million instalment from the Strategic Community Investment Fund.

“This funding is extremely helpful to these communities,” says Nechako Lakes MLA John Rustad. “It allows local governments to plan for the future and provide the services that their residents enjoy.”

The following is a summary of Small Community and Regional District Grants provided:

• Vanderhoof                         $142,051        
• Granisle                              $137,435        
• Houston                              $134,247        
• Burns Lake                          $128,468        
• Fort St. James                     $105,739        
• Fraser Lake                         $105,409        
• Bulkley-Nechako                  $51,949         

The Strategic Community Investment Fund is a restructuring of provincial grants, consisting of the Traffic Fine Revenue Sharing program and Small Community and Regional District Grants. This payment of $38.6 million to B.C.’s communities is the third instalment of a total $227 million provided to local governments since 2009; a first instalment of $133 million was paid to communities in March 2009 and a second instalment of $55.5 million was paid in September 2009.

Since 2001, the Province has given communities $413 million in traffic fine revenues and $363 million in Small Community and Regional District Grants.

To learn more about John’s work in Nechako Lakes, visit his website at www.johnrustadmla.bc.ca

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