City of Powell River officials are taking advantage of the federal government’s extension of its deadline for projects funded through the infrastructure stimulus program.
Council passed a series of motions at a special council meeting on January 10 to apply for extensions for the pavement management program, drinking water system upgrade and construction of an athletic track and sports field facility at Timberlane Park.
The motions asked for extensions from the March 31, 2011 deadline to October 31, 2011.
Stan Westby, the city’s chief administrative officer, told council that the city had run into legal issues involving the location of a reservoir, part of the drinking water system upgrade. “It turned out that this one, we really did need the extension for it,” he said.
Although Westby had previously reported to council that the athletic track would be 90 per cent complete by the end of October 2010, a staff report by Bill Reid, director of parks, recreation and culture, states it is about 70 per cent complete. Reid said at the meeting there is still asphalt and irrigation work as well as landscaping that needs to be done.
Westby told the Peak he would like to find additional grants or savings to use instead of the $284,671 in short-term borrowing council approved when the budget for the project increased.
