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Fraser Lake nets project funding

The rural local economy took a step forward Monday, when special funding was granted to a pair of projects to the west of Prince George.
donaldson
Donaldson

The rural local economy took a step forward Monday, when special funding was granted to a pair of projects to the west of Prince George.

The town of Fraser Lake and the adjacent Nadleh Whut'en First Nation each got money to cover key sustainability projects. It was a spot ravaged in recent times by mining and forestry curtailments and then the summer's forest fires. These grants from the BC Rural Dividend program are intended to help the region two hours west to get back on its feet.

According to the provincial government, the two government bodies will receive a total of $153,168 to support economic diversification and create local employment opportunities under the special circumstances provision of the BC Rural Dividend.

"We're aware that some rural communities are facing difficulties in the aftermath of wildfire season and other challenges in the forest industry," said Doug Donaldson, Minister of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development. "We've prioritized certain project applications to help First Nations and rural communities ensure they remain healthy and economically viable places to live and raise families."

The Nadleh Whut'en will receive $89,168 for the Referrals Office Development Project in the sub-community of Fort Fraser. This project will establish a staffed referrals office to assess, respond to and manage partnership, industry and economic development opportunities and projects in the Nadleh Whut'en communities.

"We are happy to have the opportunity to train community personnel to staff the referrals office, build capacity with the nation and improve engagement with industry representatives," said chief Larry Nooski.

The Corporation of the Village of Fraser Lake is getting $64,000 to complete topographic, geotechnical and environmental engineering reviews, and pre-design assessment documents for the installment of an additional cell at the Fraser Lake Wastewater Lagoon. The project will also support the development of a Water Stewardship Plan for the community.

"The Village of Fraser Lake would like to thank the province and the Rural Dividend fund for their very much appreciated support in awarding us this grant," said the town's mayor Sarrah Storey. "This funding will allow us to achieve our goal of improving our wastewater management practices. Our vision is one that involves three communities and includes working to ensure we have a safe and sustainable environment, while also making Fraser Lake the cleanest lake in B.C. for everyone, including future generations, to enjoy."