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| Original News Release |
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| Original News Release |
British Columbia is the first province to sign this
agreement with the federal government to transfer gas tax revenues to B.C.
cities and communities.
As part of the New Deal, British Columbia cities and
communities will receive $635.6 million in gas tax funding over five years:
2005-2006.......................... $76.3
million
2006-2007.......................... $76.3
million
2007-2008........................ $101.7
million
2008-2009........................ $127.1
million
2009-2010........................ $254.2
million
Total................................ $635.6
million
Funding
will go to local government infrastructure projects to provide environmental
benefits including better transit, clean drinking water, improved waste water
infrastructure, and improved air quality.
Funding
will be disbursed through two complementary programs developed in consultation
with UBCM to ensure the diverse needs of British Columbia cities and
communities are met:
·
Community Works Fund is per capita
funding, disbursed directly to local governments, for local priorities that are
in line with the objectives of environmental sustainability. These include transit, and water and wastewater systems. Smaller communities can also
use funds for a range of projects including road rehabilitation, solid waste
management and investments in energy efficiency.
·
Strategic Priorities Fund will provide funding for
strategic investments that are larger in scale or regional in impact, and in
alignment with the objectives of environmental sustainability. Municipalities
and regional districts will be eligible to apply.
The federal and provincial governments with UBCM
will negotiate a final agreement in which the funding will be administered by
UBCM.
The agreement is founded on six principles agreed to
by the federal and provincial governments and UBCM: respect for jurisdiction,
flexibility, equity, transparency, focus on long-term solutions, and regular
reporting to Canadians.
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contact: |
Communications Director Ministry of Community, Aboriginal and Women's Services 250 953-3677 |
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Visit the Province's website at www.gov.bc.ca for online information and services. |
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