For Release
February 02, 2007
Edmonton, Alberta – Municipalities across Alberta
are set to benefit as Canada’s New Government and the Government
of Alberta announce
$130 million in project funding through the Canada-Alberta Municipal Rural Infrastructure
Fund (CAMRIF).
The communities of Medicine Hat and Brooks received $12 million today
for local projects. Eligible projects under CAMRIF include water
and sewage treatment, solid waste management, public transit and energy
improvements to municipal buildings. The fund also supports better
roads and bridges, cultural, recreational and tourism projects, and improved
broadband Internet access. Projects are selected on a competitive
basis from applications received from Alberta communities.
“Canada’s New Government is getting things done
for the people of Alberta,” said the Honourable Rona Ambrose,
Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs and Minister of Western Economic
Diversification. “Through these important infrastructure investments,
we are delivering on our promises to make communities vibrant and productive
places to live, work and raise families.”
“The CAMRIF program is a great example of the kind of
results that can be achieved when the federal, provincial and municipal
governments work together for the benefit of Albertans,” said
the Honourable Luke Ouellette, Minister of Alberta Infrastructure and
Transportation. “The approved projects range from water/wastewater
and recreation to local roads and bridges.”
The Canada-Alberta Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund is a joint initiative
between the Governments of Canada and Alberta that enables communities
to address local infrastructure needs. The federal and provincial governments
will each contribute $88 million to the program, for a total contribution
of $176 million.
“Today the government took a big step towards fulfilling the CAMRIF
commitment they made last spring,” said Donald W. Johnson, President
of the Alberta Association of Municipal Districts and Counties (AAMDC). “The
AAMDC is encouraged to see how the funds will actually be used for vital
infrastructure projects. As rural municipal infrastructure demands continue
to grow, programs such as CAMRIF are certainly needed to maintain vibrant
and sustainable rural communities.”
“Given Alberta’s unprecedented growth and the challenges
municipalities face keeping pace with growth, CAMRIF is critical to the
sustainability of our communities. CAMRIF’s aim to support
green projects that meet Canada and Alberta’s environmental
objectives, while improving the health and safety of Alberta’s
residents, is consistent with AUMA’s goals to build communities
that are economically viable, culturally vibrant, socially inclusive
and environmentally responsible and supported by sound governance practices. We
are pleased with the announcement,” said AUMA President Bob Hawkesworth.
CAMRIF is implemented by Western Economic Diversification Canada and Alberta
Infrastructure and Transportation, and is administered by a joint secretariat.
For additional information, contact:
Donna Kinley
Communications Manager
Western Economic Diversification Canada
Edmonton, Alberta
Tel: (780) 495-6892
Jerry Bellikka
Communications Director
Alberta Infrastructure and Transportation
Edmonton, Alberta
Tel: (780) 415-1841
