WHEREAS the Fraser River Debris Trap serves an important role in removing woody debris that originates from provincial and federal Crown land; AND WHEREAS significant damage to marine infrastructure and shipping will occur if its operation is discontinued: THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the federal and provincial governments be requested to establish a long-term, sustainable funding program for the Fraser River Debris Trap.
Ministry of Transportation The Ministry of Transportation Ministry recognizes the important environmental role that the Fraser River debris trap plays in managing wood debris originating from provincial and federal Crown Land. The Ministry traditionally has contributed 20,000 annually to the operation of the Fraser River Debris Trap. The Ministry was also instrumental in initiating an economic analysis and assisting in the development of the Fraser River debris trap cost-benefit study. The Fraser River debris trap has an annual operating budget of 750,000. The recent cost-benefit analysis resulted in a provincial government investment of 250,000 per year for a five year period. This commitment is the only long-term commitment made by any agency to date. The remaining commitment for the 20072008 fiscal is from the federal government, the Fraser River and Vancouver Port Authorities, TransLink, West Vancouver, and the BC Ferry Corporation. These funding commitments provide sufficient funding to operate the trap for the 20072008 fiscal year.
Ministry of Transportation Building Canada Fund funding can be provided for specific projects that meet federal eligibility requirements, and not entire programs. My officials inform me that the Fraser River debris trap captures natural woody debris such as trunks and branches that would otherwise travel downstream during the spring high-water period. However, I would like to not that operating costs such as those incurred in the performance of annual maintenance, including the removal of trees and branches from a debris trap, are not eligible for funding under any of the infrastructure initiatives or programs of Building Canada.