Loading articles...

UPDATE: Rural communities awarded key strategic infrastructure projects

Last Updated Jul 16, 2020 at 10:58 am MDT

PHOTO. An aerial view of Conklin. MYMCMURRAY/File photo.

A pair of shovel ready projects are on the way providing jobs and core infrastructure to Wood Buffalo’s rural hamlets.

Alberta awarded the RMWB two projects tied to the Strategic Transportation Infrastructure Program (STIP).

Laila Goodridge, MLA for Fort McMurray-Lac La Biche, said the projects are part of the Government of Alberta’s economic recovery plan.

“We are accelerating spending on key infrastructure projects in communities across Alberta. It not only will support long-term economic growth, but also provides immediate jobs for Albertans.”

Goodridge said the projects will also create 82 jobs in the riding.

The first is water service project grant for Anzac, Conklin, Gregoire Lake and Janvier worth $4,091,756.

The other is a $12-million project grant for a lagoon upgrade and outfall in Conklin.

Alberta announced a total of $50-million in additional funding for STIP to repair roads, municipal infrastructure, and bridges in Alberta’s rural communities.

RELATED: Upgrades on Highway 881 to improve safety, travel

Fort Chipewyan received another provincial grant towards an upgrade of the town’s lift station.

Fort McMurray-Wood Buffalo MLA Tany Yao said the grant worth $5,134,368 will create 25 jobs in the hamlet.

“Not only does it create much-needed jobs in the community, but it addresses our water infrastructure needs. The Alberta Recovery Plan is creating much needed infrastructure throughout the province and I’m thankful one our most northern communities is being taken care of.”

Through STIP, Alberta invested $150-million in support of 55 water and wastewater improvement projects creating 1300 jobs.

The program has as many as 70 new projects and created at least 475 jobs across the province.