The standing committee was especially concerned about the low level of funding available to communities for the proper development of their community access roads. Committee members are of the position that with the current annual maximum of $50,000 for a maximum period of five years, for a total of $250,000 for community access road projects, by the time a road is completed to some sites, it might take 10 to 15 years. Considering our adverse climate, short construction season and high operating costs, the current level of funding is inadequate.

Further, a number of committee members reported that once a segment of road is completed, part of next year's funding has to go to repairing the existing portion due to permafrost and wear and tear. Compare this level of funding to public highway access roads, which receive the full amount of funding necessary to connect a nearby highway to a community.

The standing committee debated the merits of the current community access roads program and came to an agreement that the yearly amount be increased to $75,000, but the overall cap should remain unchanged.