“GP for Me” one of three projects to receive funding

Three projects in local area get boost through funding from the Central East Kootenay Community Directed Funds (CEKCDF) program.

"A GP for Me" is one of three projects in the RDEK region which received funding from the Central East Kootenay Community Directed Funds (CEKCDF) program. — Photo courtesy Thinkstock

Three projects in the RDEK’s Central Subregion have received a big boost after being awarded funding through the Central East Kootenay Community Directed Funds (CEKCDF) Program.

“Our Committee has been refining its focus, reviewing funding ideas and prioritizing possible projects. At our last meeting we made the first of what will hopefully be several funding decisions in 2015,” explained CEKCDF Committee Chair Rob Gay. “The projects we have decided to fund will help sustain the economy and protect the environment in the Central Subregion.”

The three projects that the Committee approved for funding include:

• East Kootenay Division of Family Practices “A GP for Me” program – $20,000 per year for two years;
• East Kootenay Invasive Plant Council  – $50,000 per year for two years;
• Funding for a seasonal Natural Resource Officer for Koocanusa to help advance the implementation of the recently completed Koocanusa Area Situational Analysis and Recommendations for Crown Land Recreation report – up to $75,000 in 2015.

The CEKCDF Committee was formed in 2014 and is made up of six local elected officials, four members of the public, and two First Nations representatives, and is a standing committee of the Regional District of East Kootenay. The CEKCDF Program is supported by the Columbia Basin Trust with $200,000 per year over three years to fund area-wide priorities.