The Northern Development Initiative Trust  is  giving itself a pat on the back following a year that saw the  "Trust" loan or fund $28.1 million dollars to  projects valued at $177 million.

While the  Northern Trust  Annual report  won't be available  on  the NDI Trust website until  April, it  is spreading the word now about some of the successes.

In addition to the $11 million dollars loaned to the Prince George Airport Authority for the  cargo expansion project, the  Trust is  announcing  several other projects in the 250:

Lilloet: $17,600 grant to develop a DVD profiling the community, a website and signage focused on attracting increased tourism. The balance of the $61,600 project will be funded by the community.

Kersley Community Association:  $30,000 grant to help expand the Kersley Hall and set up a summer performing arts program.

Cache Creek Chamber of Commerce:  $4,900 grant to erect billboards at the Hat Creek Ranch at the Highway 97/99 junction to provide travelers with tourism service information.

Telkwa was approved for a grant and loan totaling $350,000 on a $2.1 million project to upgrade its water infrastructure and lift moratoriums on new commercial, industrial and residential subdivision development.

Fraser Lake  $30,000 grant on a $773,000 project to renovate its recreation arena facility to year round use and all-season event hosting.

According to the NDI Trust , all of the projects approved in the past year,  translated into 141 construction jobs and 36 full time new jobs.  The Trust says the  projects  have had an impact on the region, as more than $11 million dollars  in payroll and benefits  flowed into the econonmy,  and  7 new businesses, linked to  Northern Trust projects, were started in small communities.