Diamond Valley eligible for post-merger grant funding

Diamond Valley might see some grant money roll in as the result of amalgamation. 

During the Town's council meeting on Jan. 11, CAO Shawn Patience said Municipal Affairs advisors are preparing a $1.2 million grant application, on behalf of the Town, through the Alberta Community Partnership Program (ACP). 

Funding is available through two streams of the ACP, and council gave formal support to the application during the meeting.

One of the funding sources, for infrastructure/debt servicing, could provide $950,000. 

Of that funding, it was recommended by the councils of Turner Valley and Black Diamond, prior to amalgamation, that $900,000 be allocated to the Westend Regional Sewage Services Commission and the remaining $50,000 go towards building renovations.

That recommendation came during a special meeting of the Joint Friendship Agreement Committee on Nov. 30.

Additionally, $250,000 is available through a Transitional Stream. It would be split, with $230,000 going towards personnel costs and $20,000 towards relocating municipal operations, as proposed by Town administration.

During the Jan. 11 meeting, Coun. Brendan Kelly asked what the money for personnel costs could go towards. 

Patience replied there would be a number of options, including human resources costs related to the merger of Turner Valley and Black Diamond, severance funding or staff training. 

Mayor Barry Crane asked for a list of eligible personnel costs that could be covered by the funding, and Patience said that information would be sent to council.

The grant application has not yet been approved.