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West Fernie Dike Project receives funding
The West Fernie Dike Project has been approved for $1.5 million in funding from the Federal and Provincial governments.
The project will extend the dike by 1,200 metres and will include reshaping, raising elevations, and additional erosion protection along the river bank. Once completed, the project will tie into the 200 metres of dike upgrades that were completed in 2008.
“Our government is providing necessary support for the safety and security of West Fernie,” said Kootenay-Columbia MP David Wilks. “I am proud of the investment announced here and pleased that it will help protect our community from flooding while creating jobs and opportunities for economic growth in this region.”
This project is one of 22 flood mitigation projects in BC to be approved for over $36 million in funding through the Building Canada Fund-Communities Component Flood Protection Program.
“Everyone in this area is all too familiar with the effects of flooding,” said East Kootenay MLA Bill Bennett. “This money is a direct investment in the safety of the people and businesses of West Fernie.”
“I would like to thank MLA Bill Bennett for his enduring commitment to this project. This certainly wouldn’t have been possible without his efforts and understanding of this project’s importance to this small community. I would also like to thank MP David Wilks, along with the federal and provincial governments for this funding,” says RDEK Electoral Area A Director, Mike Sosnowski. “Not only will this project protect homes and infrastructure in West Fernie from the risk of flooding, it also is part of the bigger picture of readying West Fernie for future inclusion into the City of Fernie.”
In total, the West Fernie Dike Project is a $2.7 million dollar project. “In addition to the 2/3 funding we’ve received, the RDEK Board has approved the allocation on $220,000 in funding from the Electoral Area A share of the Mine Tax Sharing Fund this year. I hope that contribution will continue for the next two to three years so that the remaining 1/3 funding on this project is covered by Area A’s Mine Tax Sharing Funds and the residents of West Fernie have a project that increases their safety, protects their properties, and is entirely funded.”
The West Fernie Dike Project is expected to take two to three years to complete.
