“The Government of Alberta is committed to helping build a strong and sustainable future for our rural communities,” said Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development Minister George Groeneveld. “These new projects address specific needs identified by the region and will help to stimulate economic activity and connect communities to one another.”

The three-year $15-million Rural Community Adaptation Grant Program (RCAP) is intended to increase the ability of rural communities and regions to address economic, environmental and social challenges by creating diverse economic opportunities. To date, $3.5 million has been distributed to 15 communities and organizations to help them adapt to changing economic circumstances. Examples of some of the projects include:

• the Town of High Level will use a $404,000 grant to develop and implement a Municipal Economic Development Strategy;

• a $500,000 grant will enable the Town of Drayton Valley to further the Bio-Mile Initiative; and,

• Palliser Regional Municipal Services Company Ltd. received a $244,000 grant to assist in the Rail Discontinuance Recovery Project.

Under the three-year $9-million Rural Connections: Community Broadband Infrastructure Pilot Program, priority is given to community-led broadband infrastructure projects where rural Albertans have limited or no access to broadband connectivity. Producers, entrepreneurs and other rural Albertans from 11 communities have benefited from $4 million in funding. Some of the projects currently include:

• four rural gas co-operatives (Bow River, Cochrane Lake, Forty Mile, and Phoenix) have each been approved for a grant of $500,000 to develop a WiMax licensed broadband network;

• a grant of $492,000 will enable Lesser Slave Lake Indian Regional Council to upgrade existing equipment to develop and construct a wireless broadband infrastructure network in the un-served area north of Lesser Slave Lake; and,

• the County of Grande Prairie No. 1 received a $300,000 grant to expand the county’s broadband infrastructure network to reach all the county’s residents.

A description of all approved projects as well as more information on the RCAP or Rural Connections is available at www.rural.alberta.ca or by calling the Rural Development Division at 780-427-2409.

Funding for these grant programs was made available through the Government of Canada’s Community Development Trust Fund to help provinces and territories assist communities, organizations and workers move toward greater economic sustainability.

Media inquiries may be directed to:

To call toll free within Alberta dial 310-0000.

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