Brilliant
Suspension Bridge Restoration Committee member, Lawrence
Makortoff, says CBT's support is a huge boost toward helping
the Committee reach its fundraising target of $750,000.
"The
Committee has been working hard over the last few years
to return this national historic site to its original
form, and CBT's commitment of $200,000 is a significant
step in making this dream a reality," says Makortoff.
"To date we've raised $620,000, thanks to the
support of more than 40 groups and organizations, many
of which supported this project from the very beginning.
We expect the rest of the funding to fall into place this
summer."
Built
in 1913 by the Doukhobors, the bridge was one of the first
inland bridges constructed in the southern interior, creating
a vital transportation link between communities on either
side of the Columbia River. Restored to a functional state,
it will connect to the Trans Canada Trail.
"Beyond
being of huge historical value to the people in this area,
we believe this project will also increase tourism and
recreational opportunities for the region," added
Penner.
The
Committee hopes to launch the project later this year,
and is expected to take three to four months to complete.
The
CBT is a regionally-based Crown corporation created in
1995 to deliver economic, social, and environmental benefits
to the residents of the Columbia Basin. For more information
about the Columbia Basin Trust visit www.cbt.org or call
1-800-505-8998.
