Local Economic Development Projects Get Funding Boost
MAR 3, 2004

More than $285,000 in funding from the Nechako-Kitamaat Development Fund Society (NKDFS) will go to ten community economic development projects in the Skeena and Bulkley-Nechako regions, society chair Dave Merz announced today.

---

“With this batch of projects, the society has approved approximately $1.16 million in funding for community economic development projects this fiscal year, said Merz.  “Our goal is to approve at least $1 million per year, but it is great to be able to surpass our goal.”

According to Skeena MLA Roger Harris, “The NKDFS has served the communities along the Nechako corridor very well by consistently targeting sustainable, far-reaching initiatives. Once again, their funding is going to important community projects designed especially for our region. That is encouraging and exciting to be a part of.”

Dennis MacKay, MLA  for Bulkley Valley-Stikine added, “This is welcome support for our area. The financing in the Lakes District will protect historical and cultural artifacts and enhance outdoor recreation.”

Colleen Nyce, Manager Corporate Affairs and Community Relations, Alcan, British Columbia, and member of the board of the NKDFS is "very pleased to know that Alcan's $7.5 million dollar economic contribution to this perpetual fund is being utilized on a consistent basis. We are also encouraged to see the calibre of economic initiatives all across the Nechako Watershed being made possible by the work of the Nechako Kitamaat Development Fund."

The Nechako-Kitamaat Development Society will soon be reviewing more projects at their last meeting of the fiscal year, which ends March 31, 2004. Another $1 million in funding is also available for the 2004-2005 fiscal year.

The Nechako-Kitamaat Development Fund Society is a non-profit society currently governed by six directors and staffed by one part-time manager. The society works to promote and enhance sustainable economic development in British Columbia’s northwestern communities, particularly those affected by the Kitimaat-Kemano project and the creation of the Nechako Reservoir.

The Government of B.C. and Alcan Inc. each contributed $7.5 million to establish the Northern Development Fund in 1999.  The investment income generated from this fund supports the grants program.

-30-

Backgrounder

 RECENT Funding APPROVALS FOR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS

• Regional projects will see $68,000 of new investment in the agricultural, tourism and small business sectors. A BC Forage Council research project will benefit ranchers from the Hazeltons to Prince George; a Prince George Nechako Aboriginal Employment and Training Association project will provide workshops for young entrepreneurs and a Yellowhead Highway Association project will market the attractions of Highway 16 to national and international travelers.
• In and around Vanderhoof there are many non-profit groups making the area a great place to live and work. To support their efforts, the NKDF approved $89,000 in funding for the Seniors Club, the Nechako Valley Sporting Association the nearby Murray Ridge Ski Hill to upgrade their facilities. The Nechako View Seniors Housing Society will receive $100,000 towards building affordable housing.
• The Cheslatta Carrier Nation, based on the South side of Francois Lake, will receive $16,500 towards protecting and displaying their historical archives, photos and maps.
• In Burns Lake, the Lakes Outdoor Recreation Society will receive $11,000 to put students to work this summer and build a new recreational trail that will attract and retain visitors.

Projects Approved at the Last Two Board Meetings

Cheslatta Carrier Nation	Archive Protection and Display	$16,500
PGNAETA	Youth Enterprise Workshops	$10,000
Fort St. James Ski Club	Equipment Purchase	$65,000
Vanderhoof Chamber of Commerce	Community Priority Setting	$720
Nechako View Seniors Housing	New Housing Units	$100,000
BC Forage Council	3-year Trials of New Forage Crops	$50,400
Yellowhead Highway Association	Regional Marketing	$7,500
Lakes Outdoor Recreation Society	Star Lake Trail Building	$11,200
Nechako Seniors Friendship Hall	Roof Replacement	$15,891
Nechako Valley Sporting Assoc	Clubhouse Water & Septic	$8,000

For more information, contact:  Lisa Dunn, Manager, Nechako-Kitamaat Development Fund Society 1-877-478-3863