Provincial funding is making its way to the Kootenays to help local governments with the reduction of risk when it comes to the risk of natural disasters.
In a press release from the New Democratic Party, it was announced that 65 communities across B.C. will receive approximately $56 million for 78 projects from the Community Emergency Preparedness Fund (CEPF) through the Disaster Risk Reduction - Climate Adaptation stream.
B.C. NDP MLAs, Brittny Anderson and Katrine Conroy believe that folks in the Kootenays are going to be safer during these sorts of emergency situations with provincial funding that aims to help local governments mitigate the risk of disasters.
“People in the Kootenays know that climate change is not a theory – it’s real, and it’s impacting our homes and communities right now,” said Brittny Anderson, MLA for Nelson-Creston.
The goal of this funding is to help communities determine present vulnerabilities and minimize the risk of future disasters as they support their communities.
“When it comes to preparing for extreme weather, every rural community has unique needs,” said Katrine Conroy, MLA for Kootenay West.
The following local governments are receiving funding from the Disaster Risk Reduction - Climate Adaptation stream:
- Fruitvale – Beaver Creek flood management plan, $150,000
- Nakusp – Flooding risk assessment and mapping, $150,000
- Silverton – Silverton Creek bank and dike improvements, $92,500
