WHEREAS the increase in logging truck traffic due to the catastrophic mountain pine beetle outbreak has led to increased pressure on the public road system; AND WHEREAS the Province of BC has established a fund to assist communities with a population of less than 5,000 to maintain and repair transportation infrastructure: THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that UBCM lobby the Province of BC to ensure the continuance of the fund that assists communities with populations of under 5,000 to maintain and repair transportation infrastructure that is subject to increased logging truck traffic due to the mountain pine beetle outbreak.
MINISTRY OF TRANSPORTATION INFRASTRUCTURE The Ministry of Transportation Infrastructure recognizes the importance of working in partnership with local communities to provide a safe, integrated transportation network. Last year, the ministry provided funding for improvements to municipal roads and bridges impacted by increased truck traffic during the accelerated harvest of beetle infested wood. However, the Mountain Pine Beetle Grant was a one time allocation for small communities that demonstrated compelling need. Please be advised that no further grants are anticipated at this time. The ministry continues to invest in highway road and bridge infrastructure under its Mountain Pine Beetle Program. Improvements under this allocation are focused towards upgrading provincial routes that service mountain pine beetle harvesting operations.