NEW – BC: Infrastructure grants provide opportunity to switch to propane

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Source: https://www.naylornetwork.com/fum-nwl/articles

British Columbia is accepting applications from local governments, Indigenous communities and not-for-profit organizations for nearly $136 million in infrastructure grants to help communities develop resilience in response to COVID-19.

This program offers CPA members the opportunity to partner with these three groups to advance switching communities from diesel fuel for heating and power generation to propane. The use of diesel presents a variety of environmental, economic, technical, and health challenges including air and noise pollution, and the risks of fuel spills/leaks.

In partnership with the Government of Canada, the funds are being made available as part of the new COVID-19 Resilience Infrastructure Stream (CVRIS), a new stream under the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program (ICIP).

CVRIS will support projects that focus on retrofits, rehabilitation and upgrades to existing local government and Indigenous community buildings, COVID-19 response infrastructure, active transportation, and disaster mitigation.

CVRIS is accepting applications through two ministries:

  • up to $80 million is available for projects administered by the Ministry of Municipal Affairs; and
  • up to $56 million is available for flood mitigation and adaptation projects administered by Emergency Management BC (EMBC).

To meet the accelerated timeline in response to COVID-19, applicants for funding under EMBC have until Jan. 11, 2021, to apply. All other applicants have until Jan. 27, 2021.

The CPA encourages members to work with local governments, Indigenous communities and not-for profit organizations and are encouraged to submit applications through the ICIP on the B.C. government website.