Lax Kw'alaams gains Five million dollars plus in Federal Funding for Coastal protection projects

The Lax Kw'alaams Band has announced that it has received an investment of more than 5 million dollars from the Federal Government, with the money to be used to protect critical infrastructure in the community north of Prince Rupert, some of the funding has also been allocated towards preserving habitat for surf smelt and herring in the region.

The news of the funding for the community was shared by Mayor Garry Reece on Thursday through social media and the community website, the statement from the Federal government putting the focus on the important elements of concern.

Lax Kw'alaams is experiencing a consistently high rate of erosion along its shoreline, caused by a rise in sea level, storm surges, and strong winds. This has resulted in the loss of a considerable amount of land, putting the community's power, roads, water and sanitary sewer assets at risk. 

Funding will go towards the construction of new rock revetments along the shoreline to create a barrier to absorb and dissipate the wave energy of the water, which will in turn protect Lax Kw'alaams against further erosion. 

Making adaptation investments now will have major economy-wide benefits later. Every dollar that is invested in adapting and preparing for climate-related disasters can return as much as $13 to $15 in benefits.

Mayor Reece noted of the areas of Lax Kw'alaams that will benefit from the work towards coastal protection measures.

"This project will help protect the shorelines of Rose Island and the causeway that connects the island to the community. The houses, roads, parks and infrastructure on Rose Island will see added protection from coastal erosion, now and for future generations of Lax Kwalaams residents." 

Funding for the Lax Kw'alaams projects is being delivered through the Federal Disaster Mitigation and Adaptation Fund.

That's the same Federal Fund that Prince Rupert has applied to,  towards its 82 million dollar water infrastructure request. Prince Rupert Mayor Herb Pond spoke of that application at Monday's council session. 

The full Lax Kw'alaams announcement can be reviewed here.

More news of note from Lax Kw'alaams can be explored here.