Holden - Residents of Holden will benefit from joint federal and provincial funding to complete repairs to the wastewater collection system, announced today by Leon Benoit, MP, and Premier Ed Stelmach, MLA for Vegreville-Viking. This project is just one example of the commitment of both governments to strengthening the Alberta economy by reducing red tape, creating jobs for Alberta people, and getting shovels in the ground sooner.

This project will enhance local services and create local jobs, at a time when the need for economic stimulus is greatest.
The governments of Canada and Alberta will each invest up to $168,178.00 in the project. The Village of Holden will contribute the balance of the total eligible project cost of up to $504,535.00.

“This project is one which will benefit the people of the village of Holden.  It is money well spent which will help position this community and Canada to better strengthen our economy after this recession is over,” said  Leon Benoit, MP for Vegreville—Wainwright.  “As well, of course, it is money well spent because the cost of this project is 30% to 50% less than it would have been one year ago.  These are bargain prices.”

”This co-investment in critical municipal infrastructure will benefit the citizens of Holden,” said Premier Ed Stelmach, MLA for Fort Saskatchewan-Vegreville. “We need to build the public infrastructure now that we will need when economic growth returns.”

“The Village of Holden has recently invested funds in maintenance of the wastewater lagoon and lift stations. Rehabilitation of the underground lines is the next step in our strategy to ensure a safe and functional wastewater system,” said Village of Holden Mayor Ivan Hrabec. “Once the lines under Main Street are repaired, paving will be our next priority. The Infrastructure Stimulus Fund allows us to continue working on a long-term plan to meet vital community needs.”

This project is one of 156 projects across the province that will break ground quickly thanks to a joint federal-provincial investment of more than $444 million. Together with municipal and other contributions, the total investment in local infrastructure improvements in Alberta for the Infrastructure Stimulus Fund exceeds $550 million.  Today’s announcement includes a joint funding contribution of close to $175 million for 96 municipal projects in communities of fewer than 100,000 residents. The governments of Canada and Alberta have taken steps to get shovels in the ground and to flow money faster for targeted infrastructure projects in Alberta communities in the 2009 and 2010 construction seasons.

For more information on Building Canada, please visit: www.buildingcanada.gc.ca.
To learn more about Canada’s Economic Action Plan, visit www.actionplan.gc.ca.