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Funds for NS Green Transportation Projects

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Khatir Soltani
Nova Scotia municipalities and community groups that have ideas for more environmental-friendly transportation projects can now get some financial help.

The government has announced that grants are available for rural communities that have green transportation projects. The deadline for applications is December 22nd.

Cap Breton, Nouvelle-Écosse

Greener Roads
Conserve Nova Scotia is investing $200,000 in the Green Mobility Capital Grants program this year.

Through this program, groups that want to encourage energy efficiency on the road can receive grants of up to $25,000.

Richard Hurlburt, Minister responsible for Conserve Nova Scotia, explains that promoting energy efficiency in the transportation sector is an essential part of the agency's mandate.

"Providing Nova Scotians with cleaner, more sustainable transportation options through this program is one of the many ways that the province is working towards reducing greenhouse-gas emissions to at least 10 per cent below 1990 levels by 2020," he said.

For example, funding will be awarded for projects such as the purchase of an accessible van, feeder bus or car-share program vehicle, the construction of a trail connecting a neighborhood to a transit terminal, the purchase of bike racks for transit vehicles, the installation of bike racks, the creation of a pedestrian zone, bike lane, or car-free area, or the installation of share the road signs.

Social Benefits
Access to greener means of transportation for rural communities is important for the Ecology Action Center. This non-profit organization that has been working towards a more sustainable Nova Scotia for more than 35 years administers the Green Mobility Capital Grants program.

"We are looking for projects that demonstrate both the ecological and social benefits of sustainable transportation," declared Jennifer Scott, the grant's coordinator.

"Providing Nova Scotians with improved transportation choices will not only reduce greenhouse-gas emissions and air pollutants but will support small town revitalization and help improve safety, affordability and access for rural residents."

To qualify for a grant, groups must match funding by at least 50 percent of the total project value. Projects must also be completed by September 2009.

For more information, visit www.ecologyaction.ca/trax.
photo:novascotia.com
Khatir Soltani
Khatir Soltani
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