Today, the BC Government issued the following statement announcing $2.2 billion in matching funds for new transit projects in Metro Vancouver, including rapid transit in Surrey and Vancouver:
“Last week’s federal budget confirmed that the Trudeau government has joined with the government of British Columbia in historic levels of funding for new transit infrastructure – as they announced approximately $2.2 billion over 11 years for Metro Vancouver transit projects. With the Trudeau government’s commitment, we are very pleased to announce today that we are matching dollar-for-dollar the federal government’s 11-year commitment of up to $2.2 billion investment in new projects, including our commitments to new rapid transit projects in Surrey and Vancouver. With $4.4 billion in senior government funding now committed, the region is poised to make real progress in achieving the transit priorities for the Lower Mainland. British Columbia looks forward to continuing to work with our federal and regional partners on delivering the next phase of these projects.”
“The Surrey Board of Trade calls on Metro Vancouver municipal governments to determine the funding source for the remaining 20%,” said Anita Huberman, CEO, Surrey Board of Trade.
“At this time with the structure of the funding from both levels of government, the remaining 20% of funding will need to come from the region’s local governments. The Surrey Board of Trade agreed with the TransLink Mayors Council for the call on the provincial government to match the federal government’s investment in Metro Vancouver transit. It is clear that the provincial government is asking the region’s local governments to come to the table with the remaining funding,” continues Huberman.
The Surrey Board of Trade prioritizes transportation and education as the foundations of building the economy. The full 27 kilometres for Surrey Light Rail Transit is the solution for connecting Surrey and building Surrey in what will be BC’s largest city.
The BC Government concluded by saying:
“We need an expansive, reliable and convenient multi-modal transit system to help meet the transportation needs of commuters, ensure the fast and efficient movement of people and goods and services, and create liveable communities that are interconnected, sustainable and affordable.”
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