CBT Committee seeks applications for economic development funding
By CBT
A local group has spent more than half of $600,000 allocated to meet community needs in the Lower Columbia, but is still looking for more economic development projects to support.
Economic and tourism development were identified as the top community priorities during extensive public consultations last year by the Community Directed Funds committee, which is distributing funds allocated by the Columbia Basin Trust.
So far, the committee has contributed $326,000 towards the following projects:
· $15,000 towards a $1.6M project to establish a Metallurgical Industrial Development Acceleration and Studies (MIDAS) program to promote advanced manufacturing and add value to local metal production
· $22,000 to increase the visibility of local tourism-related businesses and attractions online with the Google Tours, Business Photos and Views Virtual project
· $10,000went towards a regional tourism strategic planning session
· $183,000 towards a regional tourism project focusing on collaborative tourism promotion
· $46,000 supporting a rural residency medical training program to help attract more physicians to the region
· $50,000 went to the Friends of the Rossland Range towards a total project budget of $260,000, which will see the backcountry area made more accessible to local and visiting users.
Currently in its third and final year, the CDF committee is focusing its efforts on granting the remaining funds to applicants with economic development initiatives that will enhance business and investment opportunities and create jobs in the Lower Columbia Region.
The Community Directed Funds is a standing committee of the Lower Columbia Community Development Team Society (LCCDTS) with the purpose of administering funding from the Columbia Basin Trust.
To access the CDF application and further information on the CDF committee, please visit http://www.lccdts.com/who-we-are/community-directed-funds/.
For questions: Terry Van Horn 250-364-6461 / tvanhorn@lcic.ca
