Southbank – The Nechako Kitamaat Development Fund Society announced today that it approved a total of $323,500 in economic and community development grants at its Board meeting in May. The Society’s goal is to invest $600,000 in new grants for the 2006 – 2007 fiscal year.
Southbank – The Nechako Kitamaat Development Fund Society announced today that it approved a total of $323,500 in economic and community development grants at its Board meeting in May. The Society’s goal is to invest $600,000 in new grants for the 2006 – 2007 fiscal year.
NKDF Chair Mike Robertson says, “The NKDF continues to support investments in community infrastructure projects both large and small. The proposals illustrate the real confidence that communities have in the long-term future of our region.”
Kitamaat Village approvals include $50,000 toward phase 1 of a port development project and $19,500 for the Music & Friends 2006 Festival. Fraser Lake will move forward with $50,000 toward upgrading the local arena and $4,000 for a cross-country ski feasibility. The District of Vanderhoof was awarded $200,000 toward much-needed improvements to the Vanderhoof airport.
“Contributing to improvements at the Vanderhoof Airport is exactly the kind of positive, community-building contribution we’ve come to expect from the Nechako Kitamaat Development Fund Society,” said Prince George-Omineca MLA John Rustad. “These improvements will help draw more industry and tourism opportunities to the Vanderhoof region.”
Alcan’s Manager of Corporate Affairs, Colleen Nyce extends congratulations to the Fund recipients and commends the NKDFS on the caliber of proposals received. “The kind of economic development projects that are envisioned and initiated in our operating area have risen to a higher level. This is very encouraging to see.”
The Nechako-Kitamaat Development Fund Society was jointly established in 1997 with a combined contribution of $15 million by the government of British Columbia and Alcan Inc. The Fund’s investment area includes lands impacted by the original Kemano project and focuses on those communities in the Nechako and Haisla regions of the north.
The Society encourages applications from local governments and legally incorporated non-profit organizations. NKDF invests in projects that create sustainable employment, diversify the economy, and improve the basic infrastructure needed for community stability, quality of life and growth.
Well, this success story throws back a little bit. We started planning for the expansion at the Burns Lake Public Library in the early 2000's. It was an ambitious project - double the size of the library!! The board...