Prince George Search and Rescue has received a financial boost from the provincial government.
The volunteer organization dedicated to rescuing people who get lost or injured while in the backcountry is receiving $93,360.14, area MLAs Shirley Bond and Mike Morris said Thursday.
PGSAR will spend the money on either a new response vehicle or on equipment and training for long-line rescue from a helicopter.
It also comes over and above the $50,000 to $70,000 in operating funding the group is typically granted through the community gaming grant program.
The B.C. Search and Rescue Association is continuing to lobby Victoria for designated funding so member groups no longer have to rely on gaming grants. Bond said the government is well aware of the concerns and the way search and rescue groups are being funded is being reviewed.
She also noted the money announced Thursday comes out of $10 million the provincial government gave to BCSARA for distribution across the province and PGSAR will also receive an equal amount next year.
"This in essence says we understand how important this is," Bond said. "Additional funding was required and we stepped outside that model and directly dealt with the provincial organization."
PGSAR's share was allotted based on a formula developed by the BCSARA.
