Water is a higher priority to apply for funding for than a new industrial road, Port Alberni city councillors agreed on Monday.
The matter arose during council’s discussion about a pending gas tax application, and what city projects should receive priority for funding.
Projects such as the waterfront industrial road, Dry Creek flooding, a Roger Creek crossing, and new provincial water regulation preparation (called 4-3-2-1) were mentioned as potential candidates for gas tax funding.
Two projects in particular were sussed out as having priority: the waterfront industrial road and 4-3-2-1 water regulations.
A motion by Coun. Hira Chopra that the city apply for funding for both projects was defeated.
“There’s no guarantee with one application — apply for both and if we get it that’s a bonus,” he said. “Maybe we’ll get one million (dollars) for the road.”
Other cities are likely applying to fund 4-3-2-1 projects of their own, making the industrial road proposal a better option.
“Everyone is applying for the same thing so the chances are you won’t get it,” Chopra said. “If you apply for something different you might get it.”
City manager Ken Watson told councillors that the overriding objective of the gas tax fund was reducing green house gases and improving water quality.
Not making an effort to improve water quality would be sending a mixed message to the Vancouver Island Health Authority, who regulate 4-3-2-1.
Councillors Jack McLeman, Cindy Solda, Rob Cole and Dan Washington spoke against the road option.
The road is a good idea, but it snakes its way through private and public land, and no agreement has been reached with private owners yet.
“Until you secure those properties you only have half an industrial road and it’s not worth a mention,” Washington said.
Discussions are happening but haven’t concluded yet. “We’re still wheeling and dealing,” Solda said.
The application for 4-3-2-1 would be a better fit with the fund’s objective, Cole said. “A road only shifts traffic, that’s not reducing gasses.”
While the motion was defeated the issue can come up again at future meetings.
reporter@albernivalleynews.com
