Federal Gas Tax Fund Generates Infrastructure Projects
Jackie Armstrong-Homeniuk
MLA for Fort Saskatchewan
Our communities have been blessed lately in Fort Saskatchewan-Vegreville. It is all thanks to Alberta’s Recovery Plan, a bold ambitious long-term strategy to build, diversify, and create tens of thousands of jobs now.
We have received over $8.5 million in funding provided by the federal Gas Tax Fund. This is a funding stream that aids municipalities in building and revitalizing public infrastructure, while creating jobs and supporting long-term economic prosperity.
Various part of Fort Saskatchewan-Vegreville have received funding for projects ranging from road repairs, water pipe upgrades, bridge replacements, and boat launch construction. This funding will bring needed projects to our constituency while creating crucial jobs.
On top of that several towns received Municipal Stimulus Project (MSP) funding including the Town of Bruderheim who received just under $200,000 to expand their fire hall to house the new Emergency Operations Centre. They also received money to replace public works, along with various other projects.
The Town of Lamont received over $200,000 to upgrade their arena ice plant, install solar lightning in Hillside Park, and to upgrade their recreation centre by adding audio and visual upgrades.
Innisfree has received $50,000 in funding to rehabilitate the Birch Lake Campground and rehabilitate the fire station.
And Mannville has received over $10,000 in funding to extend water and wastewater lines at the corner of 49 avenue and 54 street.
It doesn’t end there.
Minister of Municipal Affairs Tracy Allard also told me about our Municipal Sustainability Initiative (MSI) funding recently. MSI is another program to help create economic stimulus throughout our region to get Albertans back to work.
The Village of Chipman was given over $327,000 to upgrade a wastewater lift station to ensure residents have the needed capacity for their water and sewer infrastructure. Elk Island received over $92,000 to upgrade the water treatment system and The Town of Mundare was given over $86,000 to upgrade roads throughout the community.
I want to thank our municipal leaders for partnering with us in funding these projects to create a better life for all Albertans. I believe when we tap into the collective wisdom of our local leaders we get visibly local results in community after community.