July 23, 2010
Boost for Small Communities and Public Safety

SALMON ARM– More money in the hands of local governments will support vital local public safety initiatives and other important community services.

“Each community has unique needs and this funding allows local governments to invest in priority areas of their choice,” says Shuswap MLA George Abbott.

The Strategic Community Investment Fund is a restructuring of provincial grants, consisting of the Traffic Fine Revenue Sharing program and Small Community and Regional District Grants.

·      Armstrong                          $143,701          --                                 $143,701

·      Salmon Arm                       $61,660            $68,866                       $130,525

·      Sicamous                           $112,002          --                                  $112,002

·      Spallumcheen                    $142,433          --                                  $142,433

This payment of $38.6 million to B.C.’s communities is the third instalment of a total $227 million provided to local governments since 2009; a first instalment of $133 million was paid to communities in March 2009 and a second instalment of $55.5 million was paid in September 2009.

Since 2001, the Province has given communities $413 million in traffic fine revenues and $363 million in Small Community and Regional District Grants.

For more information about George and the Shuswap constituency, visit www.georgeabbottmla.bc.ca

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