Building stronger communities across Alberta with federal Gas Tax Fund

First of two annual funding transfers now available for more than 350 communities across the province

EDMONTON, Aug. 10, 2018 /CNW/ - Investing in modern efficient public infrastructure is key to promoting economic growth, strengthening the middle class and developing healthy sustainable communities.

The Government of Canada has delivered the first of two $114.7-million annual instalments of the federal Gas Tax Fund (GTF) to Alberta. In total, the province will be provided with over $229.5 million this year through the fund.

The GTF is a long-term, indexed source of funding that supports local infrastructure projects across the province each year. In the Town of Canmore, GTF funds are supporting new connections for pedestrians and cyclists through expansion of the active transportation route along Legacy Trail in the direction of downtown Banff and Lake Louise. In Lac La Biche, residents will enjoy 15 kilometres of newly paved road that will lead to smoother, safer travel. In Paradise Valley, funding will be used to replace fire hydrants along several key streets to ensure reliable access to the Village's emergency water supply for years to come.

Recreation, roads and water systems are only three of the 18 project categories eligible for funding under the program. This wide range demonstrates the flexibility of the GTF in allowing communities to direct their allocations to their most pressing local needs.

Quotes

"Local governments know best what their communities need and the Government of Canada is proud to deliver stable, long-term funding that they count on to develop and maintain their public infrastructure. By investing in our communities, the Government of Canada is promoting economic growth and environmental sustainability, strengthening the middle class and helping ensure all Canadians have access to the opportunities they need to succeed."

The Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities

"Our government is committed to working with all levels of government to support the local projects that keep Alberta's communities strong and vibrant. From clean water, to safe roads, and beautiful parks where you can go to unwind and stay active, we are dedicated to investing in what matters to Albertans."

The Honourable Shaye Anderson, Minister of Alberta Municipal Affairs

Quick Facts

• Communities can invest across 18 different project categories. They can also use the funds immediately for priority projects, bank them for later use, pool the dollars with other communities for shared infrastructure projects or use them to finance major infrastructure expenditures.
• Through its Investing in Canada plan, 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.

Related product

2018‒2019 federal Gas Tax Fund allocations in Alberta by community: https://www.canada.ca/en/office-infrastructure/news/2018/08/albertas-201819-federal-gas-tax-fund-allocations.html

Backgrounder

Alberta's 2018‒19 federal Gas Tax Fund allocations

The Government of Canada has delivered the first of two annual $114.7-million federal Gas Tax Fund (GTF) instalments to Alberta. The funding will flow through the provincial government to the following 351 communities. In total, the GTF will provide over $229.5 million this year for local infrastructure projects.

2018‒19 GTF allocations per community¹

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¹ Amounts exclude administrative costs.

 

 

For more information on the federal Gas Tax Fund, please visit: http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/plan/gtf-fte-eng.html

For more information on the federal Gas Tax Fund in Alberta, please visit:  
http://municipalaffairs.alberta.ca/gtf-funding-allocations-eligibility

Associated links

Investing in Canada, Canada's long-term infrastructure plan: http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/plan/icp-publication-pic-eng.html

Federal infrastructure investments in Alberta: http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/map-carte/ab-eng.html

The federal Gas Tax Fund: http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/plan/gtf-fte-eng.html

The federal Gas Tax Fund in Alberta: http://municipalaffairs.alberta.ca/gtf-funding-allocations-eligibility

Twitter: @INFC_eng 
Web: Infrastructure Canada

 

SOURCE Infrastructure Canada

CONTACT: Kate Monfette, Director of Communications, Office of the Minister of Infrastructure and Communities, 613-301-0894, kate.monfette@canada.ca; Leanne Stroh, Assistant Communications Director, Alberta Municipal Affairs, 780-644-5687, leanne.stroh@gov.ab.ca; Infrastructure Canada, 613-960-9251, Toll free: 1-877-250-7154, infc.media-medias.infc@canada.ca

RELATED LINKS
http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/