• Overall, an increase of $1 billion; or 4.5 per cent, over previous three-year capital plan,
• $5.8 billion for provincial highways,
• $5.6 billion for municipalities,
• $3 billion for health facilities and equipment,
• $1.7 billion for schools,
• $1.2 billion for post-secondary facilities,
• $1 billion for affordable housing and homelessness initiatives,
• $1.7 billion for climate change initiatives and $325 million set aside for contributions to federal stimulus programs

Edmonton...The Alberta government will invest approximately $23.2 billion over the next three years to support the economy and provide the infrastructure Albertans need.

“Alberta’s annual investment in infrastructure has been very substantial and will continue at a high level,” said Treasury Board President Lloyd Snelgrove. “It has helped put us in a strong position to rise out of the current economic downturn, to support employment opportunities and encourage future growth for the province.”

The three-year total of $23.2 billion is $1 billion or 4.5 per cent higher than last year’s three-year capital plan, with spending averaging approximately $7.7 billion per year. Key areas of investment are described below.

Climate Change Initiatives
The government is committed to efficient and environmentally responsible development of provincial energy resources. Nearly $1.7 billion will be used to support technologies that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increase efficiency of energy use and production, including carbon capture and storage projects, as well as initiatives through programs like the GreenTRIP (Green Transit Incentives Program), the Climate Change and Emissions Management Fund and the Canada ecoTrust for Clean Air and Climate Change.

Health Facilities and Equipment
Albertans will have access to more patient-focused services through capital funding in health care with more than $3 billion over three years for expansion projects, construction of new health facilities and for health information systems and vaccines. Funding will also relieve pressure on the acute care system and emergency rooms by building a more robust outpatient and ambulatory care system.

Alberta Health Services has approximately $1.5 billion in capital cash reserves on hand, making the total funding available for the next three years approximately $4.5 billion.

Schools
Nearly $1.7 billion is being directed to new school facilities, expansions and preservation projects over the next three years. This includes funding for maintenance and renewal of existing school facilities. During 2009-12, the province will complete 54 new and replacement schools throughout Alberta to accommodate more than 31,000 students, and will invest in school infrastructure revitalization projects including roof repairs, health and safety upgrades, mechanical system replacements and energy efficiency improvements.

Post-Secondary Facilities
Government has committed $1.2 billion for post-secondary infrastructure over 2009-12. Through this investment, spaces will be created for more than 16,000 learners in high-demand programs. The Capital Plan includes funding for new facilities, additions to existing institutions, and approximately $328 million for infrastructure maintenance across the province.

Highways
The safe and efficient movement of people and goods is key to the economic strength of our province and increases our competitiveness in domestic and international markets. Funding for the provincial highway network has increased by $457 million from the 2008-11 Capital Plan, bringing investment in provincial highway projects to $5.8 billion over the next three years. Ring roads in Edmonton and Calgary, twinning and interchanges on Highway 63, and continued construction of trade corridors and pavement rehabilitation remain key priorities.

Municipal Infrastructure
The development of public infrastructure at the municipal level provides essential services and maintains a high quality of life for Albertans. Although growth pressures have stabilized, the government remains committed to providing Alberta’s municipalities with increased long-term sustainable funding for infrastructure.

Municipal infrastructure support has grown significantly over the past few years, with an increase of $621 million over 2008-11 to $5.6 billion for 2009-12. This includes grant programs such as the Municipal Sustainability Initiative, Federal Gas Tax Fund, GreenTRIP and several municipal transportation programs to be used for roads, bridges, public transit, and many other infrastructure requirements.

Housing
Increasing the supply of affordable housing for Albertans remains a critical priority for government. The Capital Plan includes $1 billion over three years for programs to support government’s goal of developing more than 11,000 affordable housing units, implementing A Plan for Alberta - Ending Homelessness in 10-years, and enabling the construction of over 1,200 seniors housing units through the Affordable Supportive Living Initiative.

Water and Wastewater Management
An investment of $715 million for water infrastructure will support effective water resource management to provide reliable, good quality supplies for communities, ecosystems and the economy.

Part of the Alberta Water for Life strategy is to provide the infrastructure necessary to deliver water and wastewater services. Grants will be directed to municipalities under the Alberta Municipal Water/Wastewater Program for this purpose, as well as irrigation rehabilitation grants issued to support the agriculture industry. Funds are also provided for work on the Carseland-Bow River Headworks System, the Lethbridge Northern Headworks System, the Calgary Bow River Weir project and the South Heart River Dam controls.

Community Facilities
Community facilities will receive $260 million over three years to maintain a culturally vibrant province, strengthen communities and promote tourism. Grants through the Community Facility Enhancement Program (CFEP) will continue to support the expansion and upgrading of Alberta’s extensive network of community-use facilities.

Annual spending on maintaining and improving Alberta’s network of 500 provincial parks and protected areas will be $18 million. A central registration and reservation system will also be implemented to increase accessibility to provincial park campgrounds.

Government Facilities and Other Capital
The three-year support for government facilities, equipment and other capital totals $3.3 billion. This is an increase of nearly $1.3 billion over 2008-11 levels, mainly due to implementation of the new Carbon Capture and Storage initiative, which represents a commitment of $800 million over three years.

Other major government projects include the construction of the new Edmonton Remand Centre, redeveloping the Federal Building and Centennial Plaza on the Legislature grounds, and projects identified under the government’s Information Management and Technology Strategy. Government will also create 8,000 new child care spaces by 2011, which is on top of the 6,000 spaces already provided.