Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to rise today to update Members and the public on the Community Access Program administered by the Department of Transportation.
Communities and residents are benefiting greatly from this program, especially in our small rural and remote communities.
The Community Access Program provides funding contributions to communities for local access roads, trails and winter roads to nearby attractions such as hunting, fishing and wood gathering areas and recreational sites. The 16th Legislative Assembly significantly expanded this program through the Refocusing Government Strategic Initiative, based on recommendations from the Committee on the Sustainability of Rural and Remote Communities. Beginning this fiscal year, the Community Access Program has provided contributions to communities for a wide array of projects, now including local boating and marine projects and winter access to granular resources. Also, the available funding was significantly increased from $320,000 to $1 million so that a greater number of projects can be done each year and more communities can benefit.
Mr. Speaker, the benefits of this program extend far beyond the construction phase. These trails and dock projects provide healthy recreational opportunities for our youth and improve access to the land for traditional activities. There is also a sense of community pride and accomplishment that comes along with delivering these community-based priority projects.
Mr. Speaker, the Department of Transportation is doing its part to deliver on this Assembly’s goal of sustainable, vibrant, safe communities through the Community Access Program. This has always been a very popular program for communities and now that we are able to fund even a greater number and variety of projects that is even more popular.
Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the support of my colleagues in the Assembly for making additional funds available so that this important program could be expanded. While the program is fully subscribed for 2010-11, the Department of Transportation staff are continuing to work closely with community leaders to identify future projects that will be considered under the Community Access Program in 2011-12. Mahsi cho, Mr. Speaker.
