Mayor Lyn Hall, MP Bob Zimmer, MLA Shirley Bond and MLA Mike Morris at  funding announcement -photo 250News

Prince George, B.C. –  “It’s a really big  deal for us” says Prince George Mayor Lyn Hall,  as  the Province and Federal Government  announced they  will each kick in  funds for the  Fraser River  Benchlands remediation project.

The area  has become a safety hazard as  erosion  has not only created  dangerous  bank conditions, but has damaged properties as well.

The  project will see a  storm water system  constructed that will carry water from an already established catchment  area in College Heights to an outfall at the Fraser River.

The estimated cost of the project is $1,410,000.  Of that amount,  the Province and  the Federal Government will each contribute  up to $470 thousand and the City will carry the balance.

Mayor Hall says the  project will make the area safe for future development. “This area has seen the largest  commercial growth  over the years and continues to grow having a substantial economic impact for the City of Prince George.  The  project will make the area safe for future  development such as greenspace and will improve the public  safety in the neighbourhood for those currently living there.”

Work on the project  could start as early as this fall,  with  the first stage  seeing rip rap installed  near the river to  prevent further  erosion.