The B.C. government is distributing $2.8 million to Kootenay-based organizations to support local economies.
B.C. officials said the funding will go to 10 projects led by local governments, First Nations and non-profit groups.
“Rural communities throughout B.C. have told us which projects are the most important for growing and diversifying their local economies and we’re helping them get those projects off the ground,” said Brenda Bailey, Minister of Jobs, Economic Development and Innovation.
“Community leaders work tirelessly to build vibrant, inviting communities, and we are proud to support them.”
The funding comes from the Rural Economic Diversification and Infrastructure Program (REDIP), which is part of a $33 million investment into the province’s rural communities.
Harrop-Procter Community Cooperative, a local co-op that manages public forests and runs a small sawmill will be receiving as much as $250,000 of the provincial grant.
BC officials stated that the funds will help the co-op upgrade its mill and replace equipment to improve efficiency and adapt to smaller diameter logs, creating three new jobs in the process.
“The Harrop-Procter Community Cooperative is most appreciative of funding support provided by the BC Manufacturing Jobs Fund,” stated Harrop-Procter Community Cooperative president Bill MacPherson.
“Their financial assistance enables us to complete an ongoing revitalization of our milling division, Harrop Procter Forest Products, resulting in improved efficiencies, enhanced waste utilization capacity and, most importantly, continued and increased local employment.”
You can see the rest of the local projects set to receive funding here.
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