This release was issued under a previous government.

The Alberta government has increased funding to Water for Life and the Alberta Municipal Water/Wastewater Partnership by $170 million – or 45.3 per cent – compared to the proposed March budget. These programs provide critical funding for municipal water and wastewater infrastructure to ensure Albertans in smaller and rural communities have access to safe, efficient, and environmentally responsible water and wastewater systems.

Over five years, Water for Life funding will increase by $100 million and the Alberta Municipal Water/Wastewater Partnership will increase by $70 million. Municipalities now have the opportunity to re-examine projects that were set aside due to funding reductions by the previous government.

“We strongly believe that reliable access to high quality drinking water and wastewater treatment systems is crucial to building strong, healthy communities and rural economies. We want to ensure municipalities have the water infrastructure they need to support families and businesses while growing sustainably.”

Brian Mason, Minister of Transportation

“Quality water and wastewater infrastructure is critical for community and industrial development as well as the safety of Albertans. Due to their large geographic areas, building and maintaining water and wastewater infrastructure in rural municipalities is technically challenging and expensive. As such, the AAMDC is pleased that the Government of Alberta is providing increased water and wastewater infrastructure funding, which will support the growth and sustainability of rural and small urban communities throughout Alberta.”

Al Kemmere, President of Alberta Association of Municipal Districts and Counties

The Alberta Municipal Water/Wastewater Partnership and the Alberta Water for Life program provide funds to municipalities with populations of less than 45,000 to help in the construction of municipal water supply and treatment, and wastewater treatment and disposal facilities. Funding is provided as a percentage of eligible approved project costs.

Over the next five years, the Government of Alberta is investing in Alberta Transportation’s Capital Plan of $9.1 billion to build and repair roads and bridges, support water and wastewater facilities and enhance public transit across the province.

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