(Tofield) - Albertans will benefit from joint federal and provincial funding for upgrades to HWY 14 West of Tofield, announced Leon Benoit, MP and Ed Stelmach, MLA. This project is just one example of the commitment of both governments to strengthening the Alberta economy by creating jobs and investing in critical infrastructure.

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 $402 500 in the project, and the Province of Alberta will contribute the balance for a total joint contribution of $805 000.

"Under the leadership of Prime Minister Stephen Harper, our Government is getting shovels in the ground and flowing money faster to stimulate the economy and create jobs for Albertans," said Leon Benoit, MP for Vegreville-Wainwright.   "Thanks to the strong relationship between our two governments, we can work together to help Alberta communities and the economy thrive immediately and in the future,”

“Improving roads is one of the best investments we can make in local infrastructure,” said Alberta Premier Ed Stelmach, MLA for Fort Saskatchewan – Vegreville. “Road upgrades allow for more efficient transportation of Alberta’s goods and services to market, and create much-needed jobs during this time of economic uncertainty.”

This project is one of 235 projects across the province that will break ground quickly thanks to a federal investment of more than $400 million. Together with provincial, municipal and other contributions, the total investment in local infrastructure improvements in Alberta is more than $1 billion. 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.




Backgrounder

INFRASTRUCTURE STIMULUS FUND INVESTMENTS IN ALBERTA
Through Canada’s Economic Action Plan, the federal government has established a $4 billion Infrastructure Stimulus Fund (ISF) that provides funding to provincial, territorial and municipal construction-ready infrastructure projects.
The total cost of the highway improvements is estimated at $144 million for 33 infrastructure projects across the province. The investment is a contribution of $72 million from the Government of Canada through the Infrastructure Stimulus Fund, and $72 million from the province of Alberta. 
Including this funding being announced today, the Government of Canada’s commitment for projects to be funded through the ISF in Alberta totals almost $419 million.  The latest projects to be funded under the ISF will see major improvements to highways throughout the province, including:


West of Tofield

• Constructing 5.7 km of passing lanes (4 locations) on Highway 14:06, west of Tofield

• Upgrading a 20.6 km section of currently graveled provincial Highway 88:08 to first stage pavement. 

• 16.9 km of final asphalt pavement on Highway 88 - Bear River to S of Fort Vermilion

• Grade widening and pavement overlay of 9.1 km of Highway 542:02

• Rehabilitation to the concrete deck overlay and partial curb and pier repairs

• Rehabilitation to the concrete deck overlay and partial curb and pier repairs

• Constructing 6.5 km of climbing/passing lanes (3 locations) on Highway 22:24.

• Construction of 11.2 km of climbing lanes (four locations) on Highway 40:30.

• (The municipality of Saddle Hills is also a funding partner)
• Reconstruction of 13 km of roadway from Hwy 681 southerly.

• (The Town of Bowden is also a funding partner)
• Full replacement of all underground infrastructure (from Cast Iron & Clay Pipe to PVC Piping) on Westview Crescent Loop which includes 18 Avenue, 23 Street, Howard Crescent, and 21 Street.

• Bridge rehabilitation over 1) east bound lanes and
• 2) west bound lanes of Gershaw Drive Interchange in Medicine Hat

• Deerfoot Trail: Ivor Strong Bridge to South of 17 avenue (North and South Bound lanes)

• 2 km of pavement overlay on Highway 9 - S of Highway 10 to Highway 10 (Northbound lanes and Southbound lanes)

• Concrete overlay on overpass on Highway 12 at Alix

• Replacement of asphalt concrete pavement and deck membrance repairs on Battle River bridge near Ervick

• Full Depth Reclamation and Overlay on Highway 22:24 - Highway 11 to Highway 53

• Concrete deck overlay on the North Saskatchewan River Bridge on Highway 41, 4 km South of Elk Point

• 41.3 km of pavement overlay on Highway 43 - North of Town of Fox Creek to East of Highway 947 (West Bound Lane selective)

• Highway improvements for approximately 15 km, from south of Negus River to West of High Level

• Pavement rehabilitation will restore pavement serviceability by improving ride quality and providing new water-proof surface (North of US Border - South of Jensen Reservoir)

• 16 - South of Tall Cree Indian Reserve to South of Jackpine Creek
• 16 - South of Jackpine Creek to Bear River

• 18.8 km of pavement overlay on Highway 575 - East of  Highway 836 to Town of Drumheller

• Highway improvements east of Highway 2 - Highway 791

• Highway improvements from County Boundary to Highway 21.

• 10 km of pavement overlay on Highway 661 - West of Highway 63 to Highway 831  

• Asphalt deck replacement on Hines Creek Bridge on Highway 682, 18 km west of Fairview

• 7.9 km of pavement overlay on Highway 831 - South of Waskatenau to Waskatenau

• Highway improvements from Highway 575 to Highway 27

• Highway improvements from Highway 575 to Highway 838

• 16.4 km of pavement overlay on Highway 855 - Highway 28 to North of Town of Smoky Lake

• Maintenance (includes Bearing Repairs, Deck Joints) on South Saskatchewan River Bridge On Highway 879, 8 km northwest Of Bow Island