The Province of British Columbia is providing Merritt with a $500,000 grant related to the economic recovery of communities that have been affected by flooding.

The grant will help carry out economic development projects and initiatives to support long-term economic recovery, including sustainable tourism and business and investment attraction.

“Merritt and the surrounding area has much to offer businesses and visitors, and we appreciate the province’s support in this regard,” said Mayor Linda Brown.

“The money will support all Merrittonians by helping our economy get back on its feet, creating more jobs and building a sustainable future for our amazing community”

The funding announcement is part of a series of rural development grants the province has provided to Nicola Valley, including a $1 million grant to the Small-Scale Meat Producers Association and $1 million to the Council tribal scw’exmx for the gateway 286 project.

“The people of Merritt have been through a lot over the past year and they know how important resuming business is to rebuilding the community,” said Roly Russell, Parliamentary Secretary for Rural and Regional Development.

“Merritt has shown both courage and creativity in his recovery, and I want to thank everyone at Merritt who continues to work so hard to rebuild a vibrant and resilient community. Our government, through our StrongerBC Economic Plan, will always be there to help communities build strong, vibrant and diverse economies in rural British Columbia.

Earlier this month, the City of Merritt also received $329,000 in flood mitigation funding. This grant will allow Merritt to conduct hydrotechnical assessments, which will lead to the development of short- and long-term flood mitigation plans.

“The funds provided by the province will cover the costs of creating a detailed flood mitigation plan which is expected to be completed by June,” Brown said.

“This plan will then be used to support a request to the federal government in July for funding to complete the work set out in this plan.”