Dear Editor,

In response to RDN Director Houle’s comments regarding my previous letter, I would like to repeat that there IS funding from the Federal Government in the form of the Eco-Action Community Funding Program, which offers  up to $100,000 for projects that work towards reducing greenhouse gases.

The plan to purchase and operate a bio-diesel converter to convert local cooking oil into bus fuel fits the criteria for that particular federal program, and would considerably reduce operating costs – and bring added environmental and employment benefits.

Details regarding the specific program cannot be nailed down until we have a specific transit system to apply it to, but if the district is willing to commit to a system subject to federal funding, then so be it. There are enough people and organisations willing and able to commit to implementing such a program to suit the feds, the RDN, and the people of Gabriola. There has historically been support from the business community and people at large.

Perhaps those who are reluctant to see any tax increases have not had all the facts toconsider, or have not assigned enough value to the benefits that our community would gain, as we take our responsibility to step towards a cleaner and more connected island/planet.