VANDERHOOF – Nechako Valley Search and Rescue is one of four regional search and rescue societies receiving funding thanks to $176,145.58 in grants from the B.C. government.
Organizations receiving funding:
Nechako Valley Search and Rescue - $60,592.74
Burns Lake Search and Rescue - $43,961.71
Fort St. James Search and Rescue - $36,207.64
Houston Search and Rescue - $35,383.49
“We are fortunate within B.C. to have such a dedicated group of individuals who provide vital aid and support for British Columbians, returning people home safe and sound,” Nechako Lakes MLA John Rustad said. “This funding will help ensure that search and rescue organizations across Nechako Lakes have the chance to help those in need.”
The funding comes from the B.C. government’s $10-million in one-time funding commitments to the BC Search and Rescue Association (BCSARA) to help bolster training, administrative support and equipment renewals for these critical public safety lifeline volunteers.
The money received by the organizations will go toward activities such as training for technical search and rescue responses, personal protective equipment to ensure their members are safe, and other equipment that supports search and rescue operations.
The $10 million in BCSARA funding will take place over a two-year period, based on the proposed Alternative Support Model that was supported by its members. Funding allocations are given according to the needs of the local ground search and rescue teams to replace or update equipment, provide administrative support and pay for new or additional training.
This investment builds on the $6.3 million the B.C. government is already providing each year to cover ground search and rescue operational costs for deployment, as well as training and equipment costs, and the insurance and liability for the members of the 80 groups serving across the B.C. landscape.
Learn more about the BC Search and Rescue Association at www.bcsara.com.