Kelowna, B.C. – The Okanagan Basin Water Board applauds the Province of B.C. and several partners who have come forward to help establish the inspection stations it has been pushing for since 2012 to help prevent the spread of invasive zebra and quagga mussels into B.C. waters.
Today, the province announced a $2 million program for the 2016 boating season to have five mandatory, inspection stations set up at key crossings along the B.C.-Alberta border and three along the B.C.-Washington border, stopping boats and other watercraft. The program is being funded thanks to $1.2 million from BC Hydro, and $250,000 each from Fortis BC, Columbia Power and Columbia Basin Trust. The province is also providing $250,000 in-kind in staff time, office space and equipment.
“It’s a massive step forward,” said a pleased Doug Findlater, Chair of the OBWB. “When coupled with the perimeter defence of other provinces and states, this gives us much better protection than we’ve had in the past.”