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Feds and Alberta reach federal funding agreement

September 12, 2016  By  Andrew Snook


September 12, 2016 – The federal government and the Government of Alberta have reached an agreement under the Federal Infrastructure Funding Programs.

A bilateral agreement that will make more than $1.08 billion in funding available under two new federal programs – the Public Transit Infrastructure Fund and the Clean Water and Wastewater Fund – was announced recently by Minister of Infrastructure and Communities Amarjeet Sohi and Alberta Minister of Infrastructure and Minister of Transportation Brian Mason.

“Infrastructure is the foundation of the Canada we want to build for tomorrow,” Sohi said. “The Government of Canada recognizes that we need a solid partnership with all orders of government to support infrastructure and create good, well-paying jobs that can help the middle class grow and prosper today. We are very pleased to have reached an agreement with Alberta, which will make over $1.08 billion in funding available so that Alberta communities can address their specific infrastructure priorities, while helping grow the middle class with good, well-paying jobs.”

The federal government is providing up to 50 per cent of funding – more than $543 million – for projects supported through these programs and the provincial government and municipalities will provide the balance of funding.

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“Working together, we are improving people’s access to clean water, improved wastewater treatment facilities and public transportation, all while supporting economic growth,” Mason said. “These investments not only help Albertans get back to work, they also mean better services and better quality of life for everyone.”

Also announced was an initial list of approved projects in Alberta under the Public Transit Infrastructure Fund and the Clean Water and Wastewater Fund. The list includes important investments in 46 transit projects across Edmonton to support critical planning for the city’s next LRT expansion, as well as buses, LRT cars and significant infrastructure upgrades for the city’s existing transit system. It also includes 17 water and wastewater projects, such as a regional water supply system extension in Bonnyville that will give residents access to clean and reliable drinking water, supporting future growth and quality of life, and better protecting the local environment.

“I’d like to thank both the provincial and federal governments for their commitment to infrastructure investments in our city and I look forward to continuing our work together to support an effective public transportation system in Edmonton,” said Mayor of Edmonton Don Iveson. “It’s a critical component of infrastructure that supports the success of this city and its residents.”

Source: Government of Alberta


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