This release was issued under a previous government.
The program will assist with the construction of at least five new tower sites, four in Lacombe County and one at Montana First Nation, as well as other associated development costs such as electronic equipment necessary to complete the project.
“We heard very clearly during community consultations for the Rural Economic Development Action Plan that high-speed Internet was an important tool that is necessary to help rural businesses and communities grow. Through the Final Mile program, we are helping more Albertans access the wealth of information and opportunities that are available online.”
“Working in partnership with communities, we are connecting more households with a powerful resource that opens up new possibilities and economic development opportunities. Improved access to reliable high-speed Internet services will help our residents and local businesses continue to thrive.”
“This grant funding will allow us to move forward with our plan of partnering with Internet service providers to improve Internet services in underserved areas of our county and in doing so, help Lacombe County businesses access the information services they need to succeed, and improve the quality of life for our residents.”
“The equipment will help open up new opportunities to Montana First Nation members, from staying connected with family to accessing education programs and operating an online business. Improving access to high-speed Internet is a huge step forward for our community.”
Since 2012, the Final Mile Rural Community Program has invested more than $6.5 million to expand high-speed Internet service in remote and rural locations across the province, including $500,000 for Lacombe County and $140,325 for Montana First Nation.The program covers up to 75 per cent of eligible Internet infrastructure expenses for municipalities, First Nations and Metis Settlements.
Alberta’s Rural Economic Development Action Plan lays out clear strategies and specific actions to support sustained growth in rural Alberta.
The Action Plan focuses on five key themes:
- Industry and business development
- Financial and capital access
- Attraction, retention and entrepreneurial development
- Rural business infrastructure capacity
- Regional and cross-regional collaboration