New Westminster is hoping to get some financial assistance for a major infrastructure project.
Council has authorized staff to apply for grant funding under the Investing in Canada Infrastructure program for the 2021 to 2024 West End combined sewer separation and green infrastructure program. A staff report notes that the provincial and federal governments committed up to $150 million toward the second intake of infrastructure projects in B.C.
According to a staff report, the grant program offers funding up to a maximum of 73% of eligible project costs – with 40% contributed by the Government of Canada and 33% from the Province of British Columbia, and the remaining project costs and all ineligible project costs being the responsibility of the applicant.
The preliminary estimate for the West End sewer separation and green infrastructure program is $15 million. If successful, the city would contribute $4.05 million, the province would provide $4.95 million and the federal government would chip in $6 million.
If approved, a staff report states the grant funding will allow the city to accelerate the combined sewer separation to significantly reduce combined sewer overflows in the West End in order to meet the Metro Vancouver integrated liquid waste resource management plan.
“The proposed financial plan includes approximately $23 million for combined sewer separation over a five-year period to meet the minimum regional commitment,” said a report. “If the application is successful, the Investing in Canadian Infrastructure Program – British Columbia – Green Infrastructure program could potentially continue up to $10 million to accelerate the overall combined sewer separation program.”
