The search and rescue team in Merritt is hoping for some good news in the 2019 provincial budget.

A proposal has been made for a sustainable funding model for search teams in B.C.

Search manager for Nicola Valley Search and Rescue Nathan Brigden says he hope the government acknowledges that request.

“We’re not quite sure what it’s gunna look like. A proposal has been made and it’s gunna be up to our government whether they do supply us with any funding or if they modify the model that was proposed. So we’re hopeful to hear something by the time the budget comes out next year.”

Brigden says search members are spending a lot of time these days writing to ask for grant funding.

“A sustainable funding model would allow us to not focus our time on fundraising, and replace some of the gear that’s getting older or worn out. Just allow us to focus on what we all joined search and rescue for in the first place, which is helping people out.”

NVSAR was out $8,000 dollars after a major theft last month which represents most of their yearly operating costs.