Territory expands transportation funding

YELLOWKNIFE — The Northwest Territories has expanded a program aimed at helping NWT communities address their transportation needs.

The newly-named Community Access Program replaces the Local Community Access Roads Program, and the expanded scope and funding for the program is expected to cover a wider range of community projects.

Through the program, support will continue to be available for local access roads and trails to nearby attractions such as hunting, fishing and wood gathering areas, and recreation sites. Newly available this year is funding for marine facilities that support local recreation and subsistence harvesting activities, and for winter road access to gravel.

“Some of the best ideas for improving the quality of life in NWT communities come from the communities themselves,” said Minister of Transportation Michael McLeod. “By expanding the scope of this program, I hope that we can continue to build our communities to meet the needs of NWT residents.”

To accompany the new range of projects under its scope, the total budget for the Program has been increased to $1 million annually.