The Comox Valley Regional District board approved Tuesday a one-time grant-in-aid of $392,000 to the Island Corridor Foundation. By so doing, the board joins four other Island districts that are doing their part to help restore passenger rail service along the E&N line between Victoria and Courtenay.
The ICF has requested a combined $3.2 million to repair 48 bridge structures. Districts in the Cowichan Valley, Alberni Clayoquot, Nanaimo and Victoria regions have also approved funding. Nanaimo directors approved a $945,000 request in a 9-8 vote Tuesday.
The $392,000 from the Comox Valley will be funded by a tax requisition.
A staff report will be forwarded to Courtenay, Comox and Cumberland officials for comment.
The Village of Cumberland has expressed its support to restore and expand the decayed line.
The Province and federal government have committed a combined $15 million that will enable an incremental approach to restoring and expanding passenger and freight service.
ICF chief operating officer Graham Bruce said construction could begin in the spring, with passenger service possibly resuming by next October.