Holden, AB - Leon Benoit MP for Vegreville-Wainwright, Alberta Premier Ed Stelmach, MLA for Fort Saskatchewan-Vegreville, and Ivan Hrabec, Mayor of Holden, today celebrated the groundbreaking of wastewater collection system repairs in the Village of Holden, which is one of many projects in the region helping to create jobs and boost the local economy.

The Village of Holden system has 4,513 meters of sewer main and the repairs have been prioritized, with the highest priority given to the areas showing significant damage and risk for severe problems such as backup in the system. 

“This project is one which will benefit the people 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 considerably less than it would have been one year ago. These are bargain prices.”

“My government has committed to ensuring Alberta has the most advanced infrastructure in North America,” said Premier Ed Stelmach. “This co-investment in municipal infrastructure will address much-needed projects in this community. And we know that strong communities are a key component in making a strong Alberta.”

“This new construction season brings with it a great opportunity for the Village of Holden to upgrade part of its infrastructure - sewer lines that have served well for many decades but are now showing signs of age. Infrastructure that is out of sight is sometimes forgotten. But it still deteriorates and, if left unattended, is a hidden danger to the health and well being of our environment and our residents. Failing underground systems can also put a huge strain on the budget if they are only patched when emergencies arise,” commented Mayor of Holden, Ivan Hrabec.  “Rehabilitation is the answer, and Holden is grateful for this opportunity to begin improvements underground, thanks to the Canada / Alberta Infrastructure Stimulus Fund.”

The Governments of Canada and the Province of Alberta have each announced up to $168,178 toward this project.  The Village of Holden will contribute the balance of the total estimated eligible costs of up to $504,535.

The project is part of the Government of Canada’s two-year Economic Action Plan which includes measures to create and maintain jobs, and ensure Canada’s economy emerges strong from the global economic recession.  By working with other levels of government, the Government of Canada has committed stimulus funding to nearly 7,000 infrastructure projects across Canada during the 2009 and 2010 construction seasons.