Provost - Residents of Provost will benefit from joint federal and provincial funding to complete upgrades to Highway Avenue, announced today by Leon Benoit, MP, and Doug Griffiths, 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 Alberta people, and getting shovels in the ground sooner.

This project will improve transportation 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 $180,000.00 in the project. The Town of Provost will contribute the balance of the total eligible project cost of up to $540,000.00.

“This project is one which will benefit the people of the Town of Provost area.  It is money well spent which will help position this community and Canada to better strengthen our economy after this recession is over.  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,” said Leon Benoit, MP for Vegreville—Wainwright.

“These projects are all critical infrastructure projects for these communities and I, and the members of our constituency, truly appreciate the investment the federal government is adding to the province's investment to ensure these projects are completed,” said Doug Griffiths, MLA for Battle River - Wainwright.

“Upgrading of Highway Avenue from a gravelled surface to a paved surface has been a long awaited project for the Town of Provost.  Together with the governments of Canada and Alberta through the Infrastructure Stimulus Funding this tri-governmental project can happen.  Pavement will provide improved mobility of traffic, dust control, easier maintenance of the roadway and better access for the existing and future businesses, said Ken Knox, Mayor, Town of Provost.

This project is one of 156 projects across the province that will break ground quickly thanks to a joint federal-provincial investment of more than $444 million. Together with municipal and other contributions, the total investment in local infrastructure improvements in Alberta for the Infrastructure Stimulus Fund exceeds $550 million.  Today’s announcement includes a joint funding contribution of close to $175 million for 96 municipal projects in communities of fewer than 100,000 residents. 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.
Province of Alberta website http://alberta.ca/home/