Every Alberta community to benefit from federal Gas Tax Fund transfer
News Release
First of two installments delivered to support local infrastructure priorities
July 24, 2017 - Edmonton, Alberta - Infrastructure Canada
Modern and up-to-date community infrastructure helps connect people to jobs and provides access to better community services, attracts new businesses and creates economic growth.
This month, the Government of Canada delivered the first of two annual $109.5 million federal Gas Tax Fund (GTF) installments to Alberta. In total, the province will be provided with over $219 million this year through the fund. The funding, which flows through the provincial government to all of its municipalities, is now available to support community infrastructure projects.
Based on previous years, GTF funding supports approximately 250 local infrastructure projects across Alberta each year.
Some examples of the projects being funded this year include Wheatland County’s support of a new regional recreational facility in the Town of Strathmore. The Town of Fort Saskatchewan has plans to rebuild a number of its local roads. The Town of High Level will upgrade control systems on their water treatment plant, and the City of Airdrie is building a new transit terminal and park and ride. The range of planned projects helps demonstrate the flexibility that the GTF provides.
The two Gas Tax Fund installments for this year are in addition to funds flowing to Alberta under the Investing in Canada plan.
Quotes
“Through the federal Gas Tax Fund, communities across Alberta and the rest of Canada can direct federal funding to the infrastructure projects that address the most pressing needs of local residents and businesses, from improving drinking water to building new recreational facilities. The Government of Canada is proud to deliver this predictable, long-term funding to help ensure access to good middle class jobs, increased mobility, greater economic opportunities, sustainable communities and a high quality of life for all Canadians.”
The Honourable Amarjeet Sohi, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities
“The Alberta government is committed to making life better for Albertans. In addition to our own programs, we are pleased to partner with the federal government to extend further support to all municipalities across the province. Investments in local infrastructure create jobs, strengthen communities, and have a lasting impact on families and neighbours.”
The Honourable Shaye Anderson, Minister of Alberta Municipal Affairs
Quick Facts
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Since the program was first introduced in 2005, over $2.1 billion has been provided to Alberta communities through the federal Gas Tax Fund.
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The federal Gas Tax Fund makes over $2 billion available each year, and through it provides each community across Canada with a permanent, predictable and indexed source of long-term funding. The funding is made available in two annual installments, in July and November.
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The federal Gas Tax Fund offers significant flexibility. Local communities can make strategic investments across 18 different project categories, including roads and bridges, public transit, drinking water and wastewater infrastructure, and recreational facilities. Communities can use the funds immediately for priority projects, bank the funds for later use, pool the dollars with other communities for shared infrastructure projects or use it to finance major infrastructure expenditures.
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The Government of Canada will invest more than $180 billion over 12 years in public transit projects, green infrastructure, social infrastructure, trade and transportation routes, and Canada’s rural and northern communities.
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Contacts
Brook Simpson
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Infrastructure and Communities
613-219-0149
Brook.Simpson@canada.ca
Tim Seefeldt
Communications Director
Alberta Municipal Affairs
780-427-8862
Infrastructure Canada
613-960-9251
Toll free: 1-877-250-7154
infc.media-medias.infc@canada.ca
Twitter: @INFC_eng
Web: Infrastructure Canada