South West Alberta Trails Advisory Council (SWAT)

[cuzican]

So it looks like I am representing the four wheel drive community on SWAT.

What is SWAT you might ask? It is a group set up to spend Federal (Community Future Initiative) grant money for trail improvements and trail infrastructure to bring more people on to the trail system in areas where trail repair/use will benefit the local economy. (i.e. the trail improvements will create jobs)

SWAT will identify projects to spend the following grant amounts
- by March 31, 2009 - $200,000
- by March 31, 2010 - $300,000
- by March 31, 2011 - $300,000

Yes that is a total of $800,000 for trail improvements. The improvements are for all trail users not just four wheel drive users. SWAT also includes representatives from other motorized recreation groups, equestrian users, hikers, etc.

It appears there have been a few meetings to date that did not include four wheel drive users so we are a little behind. Projects have to be identified by December 12 in order to get the project budgets completed and submitted to the Feds by December 19.

This funding may include development of engineered bridges to accommodate four wheel drive users to support the multi-use nature of many of the trails in south west Alberta.

I have some ideas but I also would like to hear from other four wheelers who use trails in south west Alberta.

Projects must be in south west Alberta –  the Crowsnest Pass and Castle Recreation area.

You can post up here, send me a PM or send me an email at [email protected]

[frenchy]

Who will or can be contracted to do the Jobs?
We've recently seen 20k spent on 200 Yards of trail repair from one contractor... Is this expected to continue, or can we negotiate, using our own equipment, an overall better "deal" for 4x4's?

[01sahara]

I know of a long list of projects most are in the Mclean Creek and Ghost FLUZ. Would they qualify?  If yes great, if not I would be very willing to help on multi user trails down south as well.  If I understand the initiative correctly the primary goal of the group is to put people to work and inject funds into the slowing economy while improving recreation activities? Not all the job creation needs to be on the trails there is also lots of fabrication work for bridges, like the one we constructed this past year, that could be contracted to provide fabrication companies with more work.  I sent you my home and cell numbers in an e-mail this AM. There are also several members of the BRSS that you should talk to with lots of info and ideas. I have forwarded your post to them in an e-mail.  I wish we had more notice the time lines are really short.

Blair

[DIAMOND DAVE]

Just to clarify something here. The $800k over 3years is something that was put together to stimulate the economy down in the Crowsness Pass region. The funds will be directed towards projects in that region. McLean Creek and the Ghost are not included.

As for taking on work. Just a quick FYI with regards to do work with Parks. As a contractor you are require to have completed and in place a COR or SECOR and WCB before they can consider hiring you. You are also required to bid the job as they must put any work out for bid.

If you wish any further information, I’d be happy to explain further if you want to contact me directly.

Regards,

Dave

[cuzican]

The information I have so far indicates a project manager will be hired by March to manage contractors, volunteers and projects to completion while maintaining the financial budget.

I am not sure of the extent of the area where projects can be completed, however, my understanding is the same as Diamond Daves that it is to stimulate employment for those living in the Crowsnest Pass area.

Blair - I got your emails I will try to give you a call over the weekend.