Municipal investment reaches across the province - Alberta.ca

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February 16, 2010
Municipal investment reaches across the province
Overall MSI funding for Alberta municipalities increases this year
Edmonton... In Budget 2010, Alberta municipalities (outside of Calgary and Edmonton) will receive $460 million in Municipal Sustainability Initiative (MSI) funding - a $247 million increase over last year.

"This program directly supports your community and the local priorities determined by your council," said Hector Goudreau, Minister of Municipal Affairs. "I'm proud that our government is investing in projects that make communities strong, such as new fire halls, necessary equipment and recreational facilities."
Since the program was announced by Premier Ed Stelmach in 2007, Alberta municipalities have seen more than 1,500 key projects approved.
"Even with the difficult economic times, we ensured MSI funding increased this year in Budget 2010," added the Minister. "While the annual funding is lower than what we had originally forecast when we started this program in 2007, Alberta remains 100 per cent committed to the full $11.3 billion investment to municipalities over time. I want to thank Alberta municipalities for participating in an open dialogue, showing their commitment to working together on behalf of Albertans to ensure continued expansion of community infrastructure."
With this year's funding, municipalities are continuing to receive considerably more than they did before the MSI program was introduced in 2007.
"Municipalities are key in Alberta's plan to emerge from the global recession with the strongest financial position of any province," added Goudreau. "Municipalities told us that the MSI program is critical to their plans right now, especially during this time when construction costs are low. This significant funding allows them to move forward with vital infrastructure."
To view this year's funding by community, visit: http://www.municipalaffairs.alberta....s/MSI_2010.pdf

The Government of Alberta has a clear plan for a strong economic recovery. The Way Forward will bring Alberta back into a surplus position in three years by trimming government spending; using cash reserves to protect key programs; continuing to invest in public infrastructure; and ensuring that our province's industries are competitive and continue to attract investment to provide jobs and prosperity.
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Media inquiries may be directed to:
Alison Keppler, Communications,
Municipal Affairs, 780-427-8862 To call toll free within Alberta dial 310-0000.

http://www.gov.ab.ca/acn/201002/2783...205B01258.html