This release was issued under a previous government.

Province investing in rural roads and bridges

A crane lifts a section of a bridge into place

The Government of Alberta restored funding to STIP as part of the $34.8-billion Capital Plan that is putting Albertans back to work, connecting communities and improving safety and travel on our highways.

“Restoring this funding means Alberta’s towns and counties will have the roads and bridges they need to grow sustainably. These investments will also create jobs for construction and engineering firms and workers involved in capital projects. Through our recent engagement, we heard from rural communities and worked to revise the program to better meet their needs.”

Brian Mason, Minister of Transportation and Minister of Infrastructure

In 2017-2018, $35 million in funding for local road bridges, resource roads and community airports will be available to smaller towns, municipal districts and counties. This investment is expected to support more than 200 jobs across the province as approved projects get underway in 2017.

Stakeholders were consulted this past spring to inform the changes that have been made to improve the program’s criteria before being re-launched.

“The Alberta Association of Municipal Districts and Counties (AAMDC) is pleased to see the reintroduction of the Strategic Transportation Infrastructure Program (STIP) and believes that it is a good first step in getting our infrastructure deficit in hand. AAMDC rural municipal members manage the majority of Alberta’s roads (77 per cent), most of the resource roads and 61 per cent of the bridges in our province. Our roads, bridges and small airports not only provide critical industry access to the province’s natural resources, but also link rural residents and businesses to one another and to community services.”

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

The new deadline for STIP applications for the 2017-2018 year is Feb. 3, 2017. Municipalities can apply through their regional Alberta Transportation office or online at the Municipal Grants Management Application system. STIP’s new guidelines can be found on Alberta Transportation’s website