Report from Parliament's Hill - April 16th, 2009

By Prince George - Peace River M.P. Jay Hill

The drive to deliver federal economic stimulus funding in time for this region’s limited construction season continues.  As part of our Conservative Government’s efforts to jump-start Canada’s economy amidst this global recession, I spent a very busy week delivering those funds to communities so that projects can get underway throughout Prince George-Peace River.

By partnering with the Province of British Columbia wherever possible, we’ve been able to further accelerate funding.  Programs including Towns 4 Tomorrow, LocalMotion and Building Canada’s Communities Component are currently delivering on ‘shovel-ready’ projects.

In addition to the $7.43M in federal gas tax funding I announced for municipalities in our riding last week, I was pleased to join my provincial counterparts to announce a series of federal-provincial endeavours.

On behalf of the Government of Canada, I joined BC’s Minister of Transport Kevin Falcon to announce an investment of over $240-million for highway improvements throughout British Columbia.  These projects will not only bring enhanced safety and efficiency to highways that area residents use everyday, they will create local jobs.

Air transportation is also a key component to economic development and a $227,000 federal grant will help the Prince George Airport Authority coordinate and implement a marketing plan to take advantage of its recent runway expansion and promote Northern BC as an air carrier refuelling stop and a cargo transfer site.

Next I joined Senator Richard Neufeld in Fort Nelson to announce a Towns for Tomorrow grant of $400,000 to upgrade its raw water supply system.  Northern Rockies Regional Municipality will also receive $602,676 under the LocalMotion program to construct the first phase of the Fort Nelson Community Trail Master Plan Project.

Later, I was joined by Local MLA and Minister of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources Minister Blair Lekstrom to announce a series of Towns for Tomorrow and LocalMotion projects throughout the Peace Country.

For the Peace River Regional District this will help build a natural ice arena for the Buick Creek Arena Project.

Fort St. John will receive funding to construct a one kilometre long community trail along 100th Street as part of the City’s bicycle and trail network plan.

The City of Dawson Creek will receive funding to upgrade its Langul Reservoir Emergency Pumping Station.

Tumbler Ridge residents will also benefit from federal-provincial Towns for Tomorrow funding to upgrade its Community Centre Building.

Chetwynd will receive funding for its Legacy Housing project that will construct services to senior citizen assisted living housing.

Taylor will receive funds to upgrade its sewage treatment plant to help improve capacity.

The Village of Pouce Coupe will receive federal and provincial funds to help replace its old fire hall.

And finally, it was rewarding to see the late Calvin Kruk’s vision for a community arts centre in Dawson Creek take another step forward with a $6.3-million Building Canada grant to create the Calvin Kruk Centre for the Arts.  This facility will stimulate both the economy and the cultural vibrancy of the South Peace.

More information on these announcements can be found at www.gc.ca<http://www.gc.ca/> or www.gov.bc.ca.

Email | Print | Facebook | Twitter | Digg | Del.icio.us