Good news for the future of transit in Turner Valley and Black Diamond.

It was announced Fri. Sept. 8, that a park and ride facility and public washrooms will be built in Turner Valley, and Black Diamond will develop an inter-municipal transit system by purchasing three wheelchair accessible transit busses.

The Federal government is providing $138,000 through the Public Transit Infrastructure Fund with the province providing $903,000 and municipalities covering the remaining amount.

Glen Fagan, mayor of Black Diamond, says the new transit project will help with future growth for the town.

"I've talked to a number of people who have located here or chosen Black Diamond and really would love to live here but go 'what about my transportation?' and they choose elsewhere and don't relocate," he explains. "Now with this option we will have those people that want to live in a community where it's more affordable, also give them the opportunity to access shopping, as well as go to work and enjoy some recreation."

Kelly Tuck, mayor of Turner Valley, mirrors Fagan's statement by adding these changes will help to encourage new business for the area and in turn better support their communities.

Tuck says financial support from the federal and provincial governments is significant for rural communities.

"In smaller communities if we don't receive grants unfortunately then we aren't able to move forward... so if you're able to take that little tiny bit or in this case where we got $46,000 between the two communities and be able to move forward, it definitely will be a benefit for both communities."

There's currently no word on the timeline for the projects.