Can the taxpayers afford land based sewage treatment?
So far the CRD has budgeted $10 Million in 2008 and $12 Million in 2009 for planning and some land acquisition. The latest preliminary estimates are $967,500 Million for one-time capital costs and $20 Million annually for operating costs. This will add anything from $500 to $1000 to homeowners’ taxes, and Canadian and Provincial taxpayers are each expected to contribute one third of the capital costs. Since this money will produce no clear benefit to public health or the environment, it is not affordable.
