The Province is combining three old programs into one, all in a bid to help municipalities rebuild infrastructure and support economic growth.

Transportation Minister Brian Mason says the three programs that'll be combined all have implications here in the Foothills.

"The Resource Road Program, and that's to help municipalities that have extra burdens from heavy traffic caused by resource development. The Community Airport Program, to help small communities maintain their local airport. And the Local Bridge Program. There are a very large number of small bridges that rural municipalities have to maintain and many of which are in poor condition."

Mason says the reason for the consultations is to help them come up with a funding model.

"So, what the cost sharing ratios will be. How the dollars will be allocated, what types of projects will be considered, how we'll we administer the funding, how the application process is structured and so on. So, this is a consultation with municipalities about that whole approach. So that'll determine how we make the decisions about the allocation of the money next year."

Mason says they'll hold meetings in Northern, Central and Southern Alberta in the next couple of weeks, and then send out survey's to best gauge each municipalities needs.

In a release from the Province, Lisa Holmes, the President of Alberta Urban Municipalities Association had this to say;

“Investment in transportation infrastructure is essential to urban municipalities across the province. In particular, community airports, bridges and roads are important transportation links that have been under-resourced and are in need of capital improvements. We are pleased that Alberta Transportation is restoring funding to STIP, and AUMA members look forward to providing input on how to best use STIP funding to benefit our communities.”

Al Kemmere, President of Alberta Association of Municipal Districts and Counties chimed in with his two cents;

“As AAMDC members manage the majority of Alberta’s roads and bridges, a strong partnership between the Government of Alberta and rural municipalities is essential to building a strong rural transportation network. The AAMDC appreciates the Government of Alberta’s willingness to collaborate with rural municipalities to design a program that best meets their needs.”

In November 2015, the Province announced it was restoring funding to the Strategic Transportation Infrastructure Program, beginning in April 2017, to municipalities and other eligible stakeholders.

The program has been un-funded for new projects since 2012-2013

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