Mannville, AB  --Constituents of Vegreville-Wainwright will benefit from joint federal and provincial funding to upgrade 7 km on Highway 623, Section 4, East of Village of New Sarepta - West of PAR 109, announced today by Leon Benoit, MP and George Rogers, MLA. This project is just one example of the commitment of both governments to strengthening the Alberta economy by reducing red tape, creating jobs for the people of Alberta, 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 governments of Canada and Alberta will each invest up to $367,500 in the project.

“This project is one which will benefit the people of the village of New Sarepta.  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.”

 “With the growth and activity throughout the Capital Region, transportation is an ongoing concern,” said George Rogers, MLA for Leduc-Beaumont-Devon. “The upgrading of this highway will help to facilitate that activity as well as enhance the safety of the area’s residents. The Province of Alberta is pleased to partner with the Government of Canada in this project.”

This project is one of 29 provincial park and recreation area projects and highway projects across the province that will break ground quickly thanks to a joint federal-provincial investment of nearly $42.4 million.

Together with municipal and other contributions, the total investment in infrastructure improvements in Alberta through the Infrastructure Stimulus Fund exceeds $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.

To learn more about Canada’s Economic Action Plan, visit www.actionplan.gc.ca.
http://www.transportation.alberta.ca/