Some “bonus” gas tax revenue is coming out of the blue for Chilliwack and other B.C. cities this year, to use as they see fit.
The Community Works Fund, from the Union of B.C. Municipalities, shows that Chilliwack’s share of gas tax funding this year was $3.58 million, with a similar amount, $3.49 million in additional one-time funding, now allocated for 2019-2020 as well.
Mayor Ken Popove said the first set of funding will be used for transportation projects, like road rehab, bike paths and other cycling infrastructure. Funding went to the new curling rink project previously, as an example.
The use for the second similar-sized chunk of gas tax cash, has not been determined yet by Chilliwack council, but will likely go to some type of infrastructure or capacity-building projects.
“We will be discussing the funding priorities during our regular budget discussions later in the year,” Popove said.
There are all kinds of possibilities, the mayor said, like topping up transportation line items or other budget priorities could be considered for the additional funding of $3.5 million.
The gas tax revenue started in 2005, and in four-year intervals the cities get allocated a certain share of funds, based on census data, and other factors.
READ MORE: Curling club saw gas tax money
READ MORE: Extra funding means double the cash to cities this year
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