LOCALMOTION FUNDING BENEFITS VERNON

VERNON – The City of Vernon will benefit from $533,813 in federal and provincial LocalMotion funding for the community’s 2009 Transportation Demand Management Initiatives project, which includes the installation of sidewalks, a trail and improvements to lake access. “Modern, reliable infrastructure can attract business and create jobs for today and for years to come,” said Colin Mayes, MP for Okanagan-Shuswap. The project is expected to include 1.2 km of sidewalk located near three elementary schools, one secondary school and three seniors’ centers; Lakeshore Road pedestrian access and lake access improvements; another 400 metres of sidewalk and a retaining wall, including steps to access the beach; and 2.8 km of multi-use trail from Commonage Road to Okanagan Avenue. “Our government is investing in Vernon’s infrastructure when it is most needed,” said Okanagan-Vernon MLA Tom Christensen, on behalf of Community Development Minister Kevin Krueger. “This funding supports local jobs and our efforts to make the city more pedestrian friendly.” “The federal and provincial governments’ continuing and generous support for important infrastructure projects goes a long way in assisting us in implementation of our Transportation Plan,” said Vernon Mayor Wayne Lippert. “With the LocalMotion funding, we can now continue the revitalization not only of Vernon’s downtown area, but the Lakeshore and Commonage Road areas as well.”