More infrastructure spending unveiled
March 17, 2009 | Prince George Citizen
The federal and provincial governments ramped up infrastructure announcements this week in northern B.C. -- as promised in their respective budgets -- rolling out $5 million in spending announcements.
The jointly-funded projects include money to upgrade an arena in Fraser Lake, help build a community hall in Fort St. James, help support an energy plan in Burns Lake and improve water services in Houston. Money also was announced to pave roads in Taylor and a sewage treatment lagoon in Pouce Coupe.
The federal and provincial governments both put forward deficit budgets with infrastructure spending meant to act as a stimulus for the economy. The federal Conservatives have promised a $14-billion capital infrastructure program -- supported by the province -- meant to create up to 88,000 jobs and build public infrastructure in every region of B.C.
Fort St. James will receive $891,000 to help build an energy-efficient community hall and convention facility next to its arena, as well as basic services.
Other funding projects include:
- $842,000 for Fraser Lake to help upgrade the community's arena and to provide basic services;
- $885,000 for Burns Lake to help build local infrastructure, provide basic services and beautify entry points and boulevards in the community;
- $1.1 million for Houston to improve water service reliability, upgrade local trails and plant new trees at the local cemetery;
- $175,000 for Pouce Coupe to improve the town's sewage treatment lagoon.
