BC Government announces infrastructure funding

Highway 5A between Merritt and Kamloops is set to receive some upgrades as the BC Government has announced several projects receiving funding to address the effects of climate change.

The Thompson area is receiving $4.4 million for 14 separate projects in the region including the work near Stump Lake.

The project is listed as ‘construct flood protection to raise profile of Highway 5A above future flood levels to ensure no further impacts to the highway’.

“One of the key threats to the reliability of the highway network is climate related, and examples include high-intensity rainfall events, extreme freshet seasons and flooding,” said Rob Fleming, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure. “These events have been increasing in intensity due to climate change, and this initiative ensures a reliable transportation system will be in place for future emergency events as well as the continued movement of people, goods and services.”

Also receiving funding is an avalanche protection project on the Coquihalla.