Feds announce money from gas taxes to fund Bailey Landfill extraction system

Saturday December 3, 2011

Federal Politics

It's A Gas

Feds announce $3.5M from gas taxes to fund Bailey Landfill extraction system

Released by Starlee Renton, City of Chwk

hanks to $3.5 million from the federal Gas Tax Fund, residents across the region will benefit from improved air quality with the addition of a new gas extraction system at the Bailey Landfill.

"Our Government is proud to invest in Chilliwack's next-generation gas extraction system, a project that will contribute to the economy and improve the environment through innovative technologies," said Mark Strahl, MP for Chilliwack-Fraser Canyon, on behalf of the Honourable Denis Lebel, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities. "Through programs like Canada's Gas Tax Fund, we are supporting key infrastructure projects that create local jobs and enable our communities to continue to grow and prosper."

In addition to innovative gas extraction technology, this project will see the design and construction of a trench network in the southern and northeast areas of the site between 2011 and 2014. This project will result in cleaner air by reducing air pollution and helping lower greenhouse gas emissions.

"This is an example of how the Gas Tax Fund is supporting innovative technology, in this case helping to deal with methane gas from the landfill," said Barry Penner, MLA for Chilliwack-Hope. "I hope that someday a way can be found to use the gas rather than simply flaring it."

"Thanks to our federal and provincial governments and the UBCM, this grant from the Gas Tax Fund will cover the full estimated cost of the project," said Chilliwack Mayor Sharon Gaetz. "This new system will help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve air quality across the region, both of which are priorities for Chilliwack residents."

The Gas Tax Fund is a tripartite agreement between Canada, British Columbia and the Union of B.C. Municipalities (UBCM) that delivers infrastructure funding to local governments primarily for capital projects that lead to cleaner air, cleaner water or reduced greenhouse gas emissions. Each year, the Government of Canada provides $2 billion from the Gas Tax Fund to municipalities across Canada. UBCM administers the Gas Tax Fund in B.C. in collaboration with Canada and British Columbia. On October 4, 2011, the Government of Canada tabled legislation to ensure the Gas Tax Fund will provide permanent funding to municipalities beyond 2014.

"There is broad support for reducing greenhouse gas emissions from local government operations, but there is a cost to achieving this goal," said UBCM President Heath Slee. "Local governments in BC appreciate federal investment through the Gas Tax Fund to fund green technology for our facilities."

For further information on the Government of Canada's infrastructure investments in British Columbia, visit infrastructure.gc.ca