Alberta’s government is allocating $114.6 million in grant funding to support 86 local infrastructure projects in municipalities across the province. This initiative aims to address the growing infrastructure needs of rural communities by investing in safe and efficient transportation systems and modern water and wastewater facilities to accommodate population growth and support economic development.
The funding is being distributed through three key programs: the Strategic Transportation Infrastructure Program (STIP), the Alberta Municipal Water/Wastewater Partnership (AMWWP), and the Water for Life program. STIP supports rural municipalities in upgrading local road bridges, community airports, and resource roads. Among the 51 projects approved under STIP, Newell County will receive $2.6 million for Range Road 150 reconstruction, Lac La Biche County will receive $2.5 million for airport pavement rehabilitation, and a $3.6 million grant will fund the replacement of Township Road 352’s bridge over the Little Red Deer River. Additionally, Coaldale will receive $3.5 million for an industrial rail extension to boost agri-food exports.
In terms of water and wastewater improvements, 35 projects have been approved under AMWWP and Water for Life, receiving a combined $73.6 million. Notable AMWWP grants include $8.9 million to the City of Brooks for a new membrane bioreactor wastewater treatment plant, $2.4 million to upgrade the Wabasca Water Treatment Plant, and $923,000 for Sylvan Lake to expand its well system. Under the Water for Life program, the Bonnyville Regional Services Water Commission will receive $1 million to engineer Phase 2 of a regional waterline, and the Darwell Lagoon Commission will receive $14.8 million for lagoon extension. Additionally, Mountain View Regional Water Services Commission is getting $1.6 million to connect regional supply lines to reservoirs in Didsbury and Carstairs.
These investments, included in Alberta’s 2025 budget, reflect a broader commitment to enhancing rural infrastructure and ensuring long-term sustainability and growth in small municipalities throughout the province.
