The federal government has teamed with FCM to provide funding for six municipalities in Alberta to support asset management. (Photo 2368572 © Jeff Whyte | Dreamstime.com)

By Justin Goulet

Funding provided to six Alberta municipalities for asset management

Dec 21, 2023 | 1:33 PM

COUNTY OF NEWELL, AB – A federal funding boost has been announced to support six communities in Alberta with their asset management.

On December 21, 2023, federal Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Sean Fraser, along with Scott Pearce, president of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM), announced a $300,000 investment. It will help communities implement strategies to manage their municipal infrastructure.

Officials said the funding will help to ensure that infrastructure, such as bridges, arenas, drinking water and wastewater systems, and roads are working as efficiently as possible. It will also allow the municipalities to make better investment decisions going forward.

The County of Newell in southern Alberta is one of the municipalities getting funding. It is receiving $50,000 for a study of the condition of its roads. The study will include assessments of all gravel roads to determine any maintenance requirements. The findings will be reviewed and used to shape the County’s asset management practices and contribute to its 10-year capital budget. Additionally, the study will help the County plan for the renewal of gravel roads and future maintenance activities.

Minister Fraser said, “Investments in infrastructure asset management projects will help improve the quality of life in municipalities across Alberta.”

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He added, “Today’s funding announcement will help them plan and manage their infrastructure based on reliable data to create strong, sustainable and affordable communities.”

In addition to the County of Newell, the following municipalities will receive funding:

• Municipal District of Taber – $50,000
• Town of Fort Macleod – $50,000
• County of Wetaskiwin No. 10 – $50,000
• Municipal District of Wainwright No. 61 – $50,000
• Town of Redwater – $50,000

Pearce stated, “Local governments are responsible for approximately 60 per cent of the public infrastructure that support our economy and our quality of life, such as roads, bridges and wastewater systems. That’s why supporting them in building and maintaining strong asset management through initiatives like the FCM’s Municipal Asset Management Program is crucial.”

He said, “This program, funded by the Government of Canada, helps communities in Alberta and across the country develop sound asset management practices and conduct data collection and analysis to improve their investment decisions.”

READ MORE: Lethbridge News Now.

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