Federal dollars through the New Building Canada Fund aren't going to build a secondary access road to the regional hospital, so Trail council is considering another avenue.
“The city has received an initial indication that the initial grant application misses the mark in terms of traffic volumes and most likely will not be advancing,” explained David Perehudoff, Trail's chief administrative officer.
He said once constructed, the new road must have 3,000 traffic movements per day.
“While this is achieved now, once the new road is built it will dilute the volume based on having two roads, such that the criteria for the new road will not be met,” he explained. “We anticipate being formally advised in the near future.”
With most area communities agreeing a second access road to Kootenay Boundary Regional Hospital is required, the city is asking for letters of support in a grant application to the Gas Tax Strategic Priority Fund.
“We are advised that this project fits well and the matter will be officially considered by council on April 13,” Perehudoff added. “So we are in time to get the application submitted (April 15).”
A renewed gas tax agreement was signed last May, which provides a ten-year commitment of federal funding for investments in local government infrastructure and capacity building projects in B.C.