The Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure has extended the deadline to receive applications for capital and operating grants  under the Highway 16 Transportation Action Plan community vehicle grant program. Applicants now have until 4:30 p.m. on Oct. 28, 2016, to submit their applications.

Up to $800,000 in provincial funding is available to fund up to 70% of capital and operating costs for vehicles that provide community transportation service to and from the Highway 16 corridor.

Communities located along the Highway 16 corridor from Prince Rupert to Prince George are eligible to apply for grant funding.

This includes:

• First Nations
• Municipalities
• Regional districts
• Community organizations or individuals partnered with an eligible community
• Non-profit societies in an eligible community

Grants are available for the purchase of new or used vehicles and/or for operating costs to establish or expand community transportation services. If approved, the B.C. government will pay up to 70% of the purchase price of a new or used vehicle, and up to 70% of the estimated operating cost of a transportation service.

Applications will be evaluated based on predetermined criteria, including need for service, social and economic benefits, cost effectiveness, accessibility, and interconnectivity. Preference will be given to applicants representing First Nations communities or partnered with First Nations communities, as well as to remote communities where no services are currently available.

Successful applicants will be notified by the ministry, and will enter into Conditional Grant Agreements. Proponents are responsible for ensuring that all vehicles are appropriately insured and that drivers are properly licensed.

The community vehicle grant program is a part of the $5-million Highway 16 Transportation Action Plan to improve safety along the corridor, in particular to provide better and safer transportation options for women and teenage girls.

To fill out an application form, please go to: http://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/transportation/funding-engagement-permits/funding-grants/highway-16-funding

If submitting by e-mail, scan and e-mail the completed application package with supporting documentation to: CTGP@gov.bc.ca

If submitting by mail, send the completed application package with supporting documentation to:

B.C. Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure
Transportation Policy Branch
Highway 16 Community Transportation Grant Program
PO Box 9850 Stn. Prov Govt
Victoria, B.C., V8W 9T5

If applicants have any questions, or need help filling out the application form, someone from the ministry can assist. Please call 250-387-3198 or email CTGP@gov.bc.ca for more information.

Learn More:

To find out more about the Highway 16 Transportation Action Plan please go to: http://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/transportation/transportation-reports-and-reference/reports-studies/planning-strategic-economic/highway16-action-plan