RADIUM HOT SPRINGS, BRITISH COLUMBIA -- (Marketwire) -- 01/06/13 -- Today, David Wilks, Member of Parliament for Kootenay-Columbia, on behalf of the Honourable Lynne Yelich, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification, announced federal funding for the Columbia Valley Cycling Society under the Harper Government's Community Infrastructure Improvement Fund (CIIF).

"Our Government, through the Community Infrastructure Improvement Fund, is continuing to support communities across Canada," said MP Wilks. "This project will create jobs, growth and long-term prosperity in our community."

Federal funding of $57,775 will help the Columbia Valley Cycling Society improve their outdoor facilities while creating local economic growth. Upgrades to the trails on Mount Swansea will include erosion repair, trail access improvement and wildlife habitat protection.

"Successes like this become possible when user groups partner with each other and with government," said Adrian Bergles, President of the Columbia Valley Cycling Society. "These funds will further important work towards the Columbia Valley Cycling Society's, and our partners', goal of making the Columbia Valley a regional, provincial, and international leader in responsible, non-motorized, trail access for the benefit of all."

CIIF supports, on a cost-shared basis, repairs and improvements to existing community infrastructure accessible to the public. Western Economic Diversification Canada (WD) is delivering the Fund in Western Canada with an allocation of $46.2 million over two years.

Since 2006, the Harper Government, through WD, has invested in job-creating small and medium-sized businesses, aerospace, marine and defence industries, and supported innovative entrepreneurs in pursuing emerging markets. By continuing to promote new economic opportunities, WD is helping to create jobs, economic growth, and long-term prosperity.

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