Blake Richards, Wild Rose MP delivered the second installment of Canada’s Gas Tax Fund for 2013 to the Town of Crossfield, Nov. 14. The latest installment is a total of $147,573 to support the development of local infrastructure.
“Our government is proud to invest in important infrastructure projects to build strong and prosperous communities across Canada,” said Richards.
“Since becoming an MP in 2008, the fund has provided the Town of Crossfield with more than $500,000 in significant infrastructure upgrades, and we are proud to be able to continue this support through this year’s installment of the Canada Gas Tax Fund.”
In Alberta, the Gas Tax Fund has given municipalities access to close to $1.3 billion to date for community infrastructure projects. The money given to each community is based on the municipality’s population.
Crossfield Mayor Nathan Anderson said the Town is grateful for the funds.
“We count on this money and it helps us to plan for upcoming projects,” he said.
He added some of the money will go towards paying down the Town’s debt from the water reservoir project.
The areas in which this funding can be spent has been recently expanded, and includes the following areas: drinking water, wastewater infrastructure, public transit, community energy systems, solid waste management, local roads, highways, local and regional airports, short-line rail, short-sea shipping, disaster mitigation, broadband and connectivity, brownfield redevelopment, culture, tourism, sport and recreation.
“There were six or so new areas added this year so I look forward to seeing what projects the money can go towards in Crossfield,” said Anderson.
The Government of Canada has made the $2 billion a year in funding under the Gas Tax Fund permanent.
From 2014-15 to 2023-24, this represents $21.8 billion long-term funding for municipal infrastructure.
