City Submits List For Gas Tax Grants

107.5 KISSFM Wednesday, 16 May 2012 09:22 
The city of Vernon will seek funding for three projects from the federal-provincial Gas Tax fund. Councillor Patrick Nicol says a sustainable infrastructure investment plan (SUP)--costing $336,000--is the number one priority. Nicol tells Kiss FM, "It's to do with the liquid waste management plan, which this Wednesday the public will have a opportunity to take a look at. There's a lot associated with that." A staff report says the SUP would have several components including asset management (gap analysis, investment plan, financial plan, outreach), integrated transportation framework (ITF) for clean air/GHG), and storm water utility feasibility/framework (clean water). The city will also apply for $1.6 million for the Kal Lake Road Multi-Use Path, providing a 1.3 km walking-biking trail from 11th Avenue, to the Coldstream boundary by Alpine Centre. Staff had recommended seeking 53% funding ($849,230) from the government fund, and using $753,090 from the city's DCC transportation reserves. "If the project proceeds, the transportation DCC reserve could be reduced close to zero", stated Greg Thompson, municipal financial technician. Councillor Bob Spiers successfully argued his colleagues to seek all 1.6 million from the fund. He tells Kiss FM, "There are more important DCC projects that we've supposedly been building up funds for years and years. We asked for the one hundred percent grant last year for the same project. Let's ask for the hundred percent this year, and that's what council did." Number three on the list is the Willow Park Sewer Project. Thompson says in his report, "The project includes a new sewer collector pipe and services to the Willow Park area (Okanagan Landing) as well as upgrades to the old irrigation water system. Willow Park is one of the highest priority areas for sewer extension in the city. The estimated cost of the project is $619,000 with 100% funding proposed from the General Strategic Priorities Fund." The Gas Tax Agreement is a federal/provincial agreement that transfers federal funds in support of municipal infrastructure projects that contribute to cleaner air, cleaner water and reduced greenhouse gas emissions.