The Government of Alberta announced it is supporting 78 road, bridge, community airport and water infrastructure projects.
“These projects will not only address critical local municipal infrastructure priorities but will also create good-paying construction jobs for Albertans,” said Prasad Panda, Minister of Transportation. “In the longer term, these projects will improve vital trade routes and essential water services that industry needs in order to grow in Alberta.”
With more than $58.7 million from the Water for Life and the Alberta Municipal Water/Wastewater Partnership (AMWWP) grant programs will support 33 water infrastructure projects across the province. The projects will improve water and wastewater services and access to clean drinking water for rural communities.
Additionally, the Strategic Transportation Infrastructure Program will provide $27.4 million in grants to rural and small urban municipalities to build and maintain local transportation infrastructure, including local roads, bridges and community airports.
Under the AMWWP, approved initiatives include a new water treatment plant and capacity upgrade in Canmore, a wastewater lagoon upgrade in Valleyview and new wells and a water connection in Sylvan Lake.
Approved initiatives under STIP include improvements on provincial roads and highways that Alberta’s industries rely on for access to markets and natural resources. Funded projects include improving resource roads in Cypress County and industrial access roads in High Level, replacing culverts in Parkland County and paving the runway at the Valleyview Airport.
Approved projects under the Water for Life program include a raw water supply pipeline in Okotoks and Foothills County as part of the Foothills Okotoks Regional Water Project. The pipeline will provide reliable access to clean drinking water and support future growth in the region.
“The Water for Life grant will allow us to take the necessary next steps to get the pipeline constructed and operational for 2025,” said Okotoks Mayor Tanyan Thorn. “After many years of diligently working towards a long-term water supply solution, this milestone is significant. We look forward to continuing the collaborative process with our partner, Foothills County, now that this critical step is in place.”
“Foothills County is invested in the creation of sustainable infrastructure that will serve our residents and businesses while ensuring the protection of our environmental assets,” said Delilah Miller, reeve, Foothills County. “The funding received from the province is critical to support this important infrastructure project. Council and administration are pleased to be able to continue working jointly with our municipal neighbours to provide water security and support economic development in both Foothills County and the Town of Okotoks.”
Featured image: (Town of Valleyview)
