Ottawa - Albertans will benefit from joint federal and provincial funding to upgrade Highway 17 from the City of Lloydminster north to the junction with Highway 45, announced Leon Benoit, MP (and the MPP). 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 improve transportation efficiency and create local jobs, at a time when the need for economic stimulus is greatest.

The government of Canada will invest up to $1,582,000 in the project. The Province of Alberta will contribute the balance of the total eligible project cost of up to $3,165,000.

“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.”
“These projects are all critical infrastructure projects for these communities and I, and the members of our constituency, truly appreciate the investment the federal government is adding to the province's investment to ensure these projects are completed,” said Doug Griffiths, MLA for Battle River-Wainwright

This project is one of 62 projects across the province that will break ground quickly thanks to a joint federal-provincial investment of more than $132 million. Together with municipal and other contributions, the total investment in local infrastructure improvements in Alberta for the Infrastructure Stimulus Fund exceeds $550 million. 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.