NTC Trail Funding Approved
The National Trails Coalition has approved $3,045,000 towards trail projects in BC. Originally only $3 million were allocated and recommended by the BC Regional Advisory Committee for the three sectors, Winter Motorized, Summer Motorized and Non-Motorized. However, the NTC saw fit to award an additional $45,000 to BC to “spread the love”.
There were 53 proposals for the three sectors totally over $8.8 million for funding, 35 proposals were accepted, 10 Winter Motorized, 4 Summer Motorized and 21 Non-Motorized. Of all the projects 66% or 23 are friendly to mountain bike access and of the 21 Non-Motorized, 71% or 15 are MTB friendly. All three MTB clubs who submitted proposals were approved for their requested funding. Congratulations to WORCA, SORCA and Rip’n The North Bike Club, all IMBA Affiliate Clubs.
The NTC forms have been sent out to the awarded projects to be filled out and returned. Once the NTC has the paper work the money will flow, 50% up front and the rest upon project completion(see the NTC website for details).
The over subscription in BC and the rest of the provinces clearly shows there is a need for consistent federal funding, let’s hope this program is available next year. If I hear any news about a repeat performance, I’ll get the word out.