PROVINCE LAUNCHES NEW, IMPROVED INFRASTRUCTURE FUNDING

VICTORIA – Improving local infrastructure has become easier for even more communities as a result of the launch of the expanded Towns for Tomorrow program and the latest round of LocalMotion funding, Community Development Minister Blair Lekstrom announced today. Applications are now being accepted for both programs.

“Communities with smaller populations often don’t have the tax base to support the creation or improvement of large community infrastructure projects, and programs like Towns for Tomorrow and LocalMotion help fill that gap,” said Lekstrom. “The expanded Towns for Tomorrow program will allow even more communities to access critical funding for sustainable development.”

Premier Gordon Campbell announced at the UBCM annual convention that an additional $50 million has been allocated to Towns for Tomorrow to accommodate communities with populations of 15,000 or less. Now a five-year, $71-million program, Towns for Tomorrow provides funding for infrastructure projects that address climate change and contribute to the overall health, sustainability and livability of communities.

Communities under 5,000 will continue to cost-share with the Province on an 80/20 basis, up to a maximum provincial contribution of $400,000 for approved projects. Communities with populations from 5,000 to 15,000 will share on a 75/25 basis, up to a maximum provincial contribution of $375,000. The program has provided funding to 41 communities for new or improved infrastructure since it was launched in December 2006.

LocalMotion is a program that helps local governments take specific actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, increase physical activity and improve accessibility for seniors and people with disabilities. The $40-million, four-year program is providing local governments with up to 50 per cent funding for approved projects. So far, 55 communities across B.C. have received LocalMotion funding for new trails, bike paths and improved access.

“Over the last few months, we’ve asked communities how to make these exceptionally popular programs even better for communities, and today we are acting on their feedback,” said Lekstrom. “With the new two-page application and 60-day response time now in place, the process has been streamlined. We are launching the application process at a time that will allow projects to break ground next spring and summer. For communities with shorter building seasons, this is a significant step in reducing the amount of time it takes to complete a project.”

The deadline to submit applications for this next round of Towns for Tomorrow and LocalMotion funding is Jan. 16, 2009. Those who wish to have last year’s applications considered for this round of funding are encouraged to update their submissions.

For more information, visit www.townsfortomorrow.gov.bc.ca and www.localmotion.gov.bc.ca online.

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Media contact:	Marc Black Communications Manager Ministry of Community Development 250 387-4089

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