| project as a recipient of Provincial Growth Funding.In 2013 the Regional Council budgeted a $20 million conditional grant for the project through its Regional Infrastructure Fund. This funding was focussed on enabling aquaculture development, export opportunities and job growth in the Ōpōtiki and the wider Eastern Bay of Plenty. Bay of Plenty Regional Council Chairman Doug Leeder says the RIF recognises the notable economic development opportunities that this project enables.“The funding package that the Government has approved through the Provincial Growth Fund is a major milestone for the project and one of the key conditions on BOPRC funding,” Chair Leeder says.“The potential this project brings for job growth in Ōpōtiki and the Eastern Bay of Plenty is significant.” “This project enables major economic and social development opportunities which have the capability to transform the well being of the broader Eastern Bay of Plenty.”The other projects that the Regional Council has contributed to from the Regional Infrastructure Fund are: Tauranga Tertiary Campus – $15 million grant completed. This project improves access to regionally important educational pathways to provide the skills needed across major industries. Tauranga Marine Precinct – $5 million grant completed. This project provides local maintenance for commercial and recreational vessels and the attraction of marine industry.Scion innovation hub – $2.5 million grant construction in progress. This project provides for co-location of forestry research and commercialization to attract research jobs and improve the value of forestry exports. |
