Government tops up County’s annual gas tax funding

With people are paying more for gas, but many still filling up less often due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the provincial government has upped its contribution to annual gas tax funding for municipalities.

Two cents from every litre gets returned to Quinte municipalities by the province to help pay down costs of municipal transit systems, add routes, improve accessibility or upgrade infrastructure. The program’s funds are set by the number of litres of gas sold in the province during the previous year and are distributed to 107 municipalities in the province. The $1,491,266 fund was topped up by $120.4 million in additional funding.

Prince Edward County was expected to receive $89,624 but will now gain $115,736. Belleville is getting $842,922 and Quinte West is to receive $532,608.

“Our government know that supporting public transit systems is more important than ever as communities struggle to maintain service levels during COVID-19. That is why we have topped up this year’s Gas Tax funding to make up for reduced sales at the pump,” said Bay of Quinte MPP Todd Smith. “This money will help Bay of Quinte municipalities to expand and upgrade transit infrastructure that offer a reliable connection to social engagement, services and employment.”

The provincial and federal governments are providing up to $2.15 billion to support municipal transit systems across the province in response to COVID-19 through the Safe Restart Agreement.