“While we must continue to invest in new infrastructure to keep up with growth in the province, we must also make sure we look after what we already have,” said Premier Ed Stelmach. “It is significantly more expensive to replace or rebuild infrastructure than it is to keep it properly maintained, so investment such as this just makes sense.”

This $350-million investment will pay for more than 100 capital maintenance and renewal projects, including roof repairs and major systems upgrades on post-secondary institutions, health facilities, government buildings and schools. Details of the projects are still being finalized. The $350 million is over and above the $1.2 billion government has already committed to capital maintenance and renewal projects over the next three years.

“We have been working very closely with communities and stakeholders to determine their capital maintenance needs,” said Gene Zwozdesky, Associate Minister of Capital Planning. “This funding is a big step toward addressing those needs and is one aspect of government’s overall plan to address Alberta’s current and future growth.”

Following is the breakdown of funding by ministry:

Funding for this initiative was made available from the unanticipated 2006-07 surplus of $682 million announced in June. Based on government’s new surplus allocation policy, one-third of that amount went to savings and two-thirds was earmarked for capital maintenance projects and other capital priorities.

Government’s annual report, Measuring Up, reports that 95 per cent of health facilities, 97 per cent of schools, and 90 per cent of post-secondary institutions are in good or fair physical condition.

This funding is one of the actions under the Stelmach government’s plan to manage growth pressures. Other priorities for the government are to govern with integrity and transparency, improve Albertans’ quality of life, build a stronger Alberta, and provide safe and secure communities.