(Mannville January 7, 2009) – “Communities of less than 100,000 across Alberta can now apply to the $176 million Building Canada Fund - Communities Component (BCF-CC),” announced Leon Benoit, Member of Parliament for Vegreville-Wainwright.

“Communities can access information on the fund and how to apply for funding at www.buildingcanadafundalberta-cc.ca,” explains Benoit.  “The nine categories of infrastructure that are eligible for funding are water, wastewater, solid waste, local roads, culture, sports, connectivity, green energy, and collaborative projects. Projects will be evaluated by a federal-provincial committee through a competitive application-based process. The intake closes on March 15, 2009.”

“The investments under this program demonstrate the Government of Canada’s commitment to use infrastructure to renew our economy,” said Benoit. “I know that the Minister of State for Transport is working closely with Canada’s Transport and Infrastructure Minister, John Baird, to help to deliver funding for modern, high-quality public infrastructure to the Province of Alberta.”

“Enhanced investment in municipal infrastructure will help to strengthen Alberta communities,” as the Alberta Minister of Transportation Luke Ouellette stated.  “The community projects built under this program will address current needs and support future development.”

Through its unprecedented Building Canada infrastructure plan, the federal government is providing long-term, stable and predictable funding to help meet infrastructure needs across Canada. Building Canada supports a stronger, safer and better country.