Annual facilities grants (AFG) totalling $110 million in 2011-12 will allow school districts to conduct maintenance and refurbishment to extend the useful life of school buildings. Funds will be available to meet district spending plans so projects can proceed this summer.

AFG funds are generally intended to cover school upkeep costs, but can also be used for projects that help enhance school facilities, improve staff and student safety, increase energy efficiency and lower operating costs.

Expected uses of AFG funds include:

* Heating, cooling and other mechanical upgrades.

* Boiler replacements and energy-efficiency upgrades.

* Roofing and flooring projects.

* Site improvement and playfield upgrades.

* Painting, refinishing and other routine maintenance.

Quotes:

Education Minister George Abbott:

"I am happy to announce today that we are restoring the annual facilities grants so school districts can plan for summer maintenance and repair work. Ensuring clean, safe and appropriate places of learning for students is an important part of our government's Families First agenda."

Quick Facts:

* Annual facilities grants are a supplemental funding source available to school districts for projects regularly required to extend the life of existing facilities.

* The $110 million for AFG is in addition to school district operating grants, which will increase by $58 million in 2011-12 to a new record high of $4.721 billion.

* The Province continues to build new and replacement schools where needed. Since 2001, government has spent more than $1.8 billion to complete 83 new and replacement schools, 149 additions, 26 renovations and 22 site acquisitions across British Columbia.

* By the end of 2010-11, the Province will have committed more than $3.9 billion in school capital and maintenance projects.

Learn More:

To see AFG allocations for every school district, visit: http://www.bced.gov.bc.ca/capitalplanning/resources/

For audio clips, visit the Ministry of Education's audio/video gallery at: http://www.bced.gov.bc.ca/news/av/

Contact: Public Affairs Bureau

Ministry of Education

250 356-5963

Connect with the Province of B.C. at: www.gov.bc.ca/connect