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Wood Buffalo receives $13-million in Municipal Stimulus Program funding

Last Updated Sep 30, 2020 at 12:02 pm MDT

PHOTO. Premier Jason Kenney announced the $1.1-billion stimulus package for Alberta's communities in July 2020. Supplied by City News Edmonton.

The RMWB will receive more than $13-million in funding from the Municipal Stimulus Program (MSP).

Municipalities across Alberta will receive a total of $500-million to build core infrastructure and create jobs in the province’s Recovery Plan.

Mayor Don Scott said the funding is good timing for the region.

“This infusion of infrastructure spending will have a positive impact in the Wood Buffalo region. Investing in infrastructure at this time will support economic resilience and help ensure that our region is well-positioned for future growth and success.”

During the pandemic, the government of Alberta will provide $1.1-billion for shovel-ready projects and support for municipal operating costs.

The province plans to match $233-million in federal funding for operating costs and $70-million for public transit costs.

Fort McMurray-Lac La Biche MLA Laila Goodridge said that amounts to $606-million under the Safe Restart Agreement.

“Local investment into our communities is so important to create jobs during the worst economic recession Alberta has seen since the 1930s. Alberta’s Recovery Plan is helping municipalities like Wood Buffalo get residents back to work.”

Tany Yao, MLA for Fort McMurray-Wood Buffalo added the funding will ensure the RMWB is well-positioned to participate in the economic recovery.

“Infrastructure is the heart of our communities. Investing in municipalities so they can in turn invest in local jobs across Wood Buffalo is welcome news for the region. I want to thank Alberta’s government for the funding.”

The MSP boosts municipal infrastructure funding in Alberta by nearly 30 per cent, and creates an estimated 2500 jobs that will begin construction in 2020 or 2021.

Infrastructure projects include roads, schools, and other core infrastructure.