Kamloops Search and Rescue says stable funding from the provincial government is welcome news.

Search manager Alan Hobler says it means that KSAR can plan for longer-term spending for equipment and training.

He says that will include developing its swiftwater rescue team and rope rescue team.

“At one point, our members used to go out and sell hot dogs and it took a long time to raise enough money to do anything significant on the team. So we’re happy we’re not flipping hot dogs anymore.”

The province will be providing $6 million annually, between the 79 volunteer ground search and rescue teams in B.C., including teams in Kamloops, Logan Lake, Merritt and Clearwater.

“Extremely needed and extremely welcomed. We are so ecstatic that this has come in,” Hobler says.

Public Safety Minister Mike Farnworth says search and rescue teams in B.C. have been calling for sustainable funding for a long time.

“The men and women on our group search and rescue teams give their time and expertise freely. Risking themselves in some of the most dangerous situations that nature can offer, to make sure someone in trouble stays alive.”