County to seek grant for water plant
Bragg Creek’s water treatment facility may receive a second cash injection under a joint federal-provincial grant.
The County will be seeking $1 million from the Building Canada Fund — Communities Component (BCFCC).
The initial capital funding for the project was also provided through the BCFCC.
“It’s given us an opportunity to put in more water lines and serve people,” said Byron Riemann, County official.
In June 2009, $2.74 million was given to the Potable Water Treatment Plant for its construction and provide the first segment of its water distribution piping to facilitate hook ups.
The County also applied for $2 million at the same time for piping components but was not successful.
“In some ways it’s a reapplication,” said Riemann.
The deadline to apply is Jan. 31, a quick turnaround for the County.
Riemann said they’re trying to stay optimistic.
“When you have the opportunity to secure grant dollars for projects, it’s a positive step,” he said. “Grant dollars means less impact to the taxpayers.”
Riemann said the plant will serve the Bragg Creek area and another grant would help to offset plant costs in 2012.
“It would help us with our infrastructure to get people hooked up to the water system a little faster,” said Reeve Rolly Ashdown. “It’s a timely grant because we haven’t planned on how the whole rollout of the system is. Hopefully, we can get it.”
The possibility of provincial and federal dollars is a welcoming idea, according to County councillors.
“There’s some grant money that came available that we previously weren’t aware of and so it’s going to absolutely help with finishing that project,” said Councillor Earl Solberg. “It would bring us closer along the way.”
“That water facility needs to get up and running because they’ve been hauling in water and hauling out wastewater for years,” said Councillor Kim Magnusson. “They’re in desperate need of these (grants).”
County staff and councillors said they were unsure when they would be informed if they will receive the grant.
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