County of Minburn, Alberta – The federal and provincial governments will invest $363,332 to reconstruct Akasu Road in the County of Minburn.

Leon Benoit, Member of Parliament for Vegreville–Wainwright, on behalf of the Honourable Rona Ambrose, President of the Queen’s Privy Council for Canada, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs and Minister of Western Economic Diversification, and Doug Griffiths, MLA for Battle River–Wainwright, announced the funding today through the Canada-Alberta Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund (CAMRIF).

“Today’s joint investment will result in a safer, more efficient road for local residents and industry,” said MP Benoit. “The Government of Canada recognizes that strong, healthy communities require modern infrastructure, which is why we are delivering on our promise to help communities become more vibrant and productive places to live, work and raise families.”

The project involves the reconstruction of approximately 8.4 kilometres of Akasu Road. Reconstruction of the road top is expected to improve safety, decrease emergency response time and reduce operating and maintenance costs for the County of Minburn. Over 500 vehicles per day will benefit from the safer and more efficient roadway.

“Reconstruction to Akasu Road will improve safety, benefit road users and rate payers in the County of Minburn and reduce impact on the environment,” said Snelgrove. “Improving Alberta’s roads is part of Premier Ed Stelmach’s plan to secure Alberta’s future by building communities, greening our growth and creating opportunity.”

Under the initial CAMRIF Agreement signed in June 2006, the federal and provincial governments each committed $88 million to the fund, with participating local governments expected to make up the remaining costs. This year, the Government of Canada and the Province of Alberta have each provided an additional $19 million to the Canada-Alberta Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund as part of their commitment to help smaller communities meet their pressing infrastructure needs. The total amount available from the CAMRIF, with federal and provincial investment and matching local government contribution in projects, is $321 million.

A minimum of 55 per cent of funding under CAMRIF targets green infrastructure projects that contribute to community economic development and environmental quality of life. These include water, wastewater, solid waste, environmental energy improvements and public transit. The fund also invests in recreational infrastructure, tourism, cultural projects, local roads and broadband connectivity. Projects are selected on a competitive basis from applications received from Alberta communities.