Local communities are seeing a boost after a doubling of the federal Gas Tax Fund. Alberta has received the first of two $122 million annual instalments of the federal Gas Tax Fund (GTF), along with a top-up of $229.5 million, made available through Budget 2019. This top-up doubles the amount of money for Alberta communities, based on their allocations for 2018-19 GTF, enabling them to carry out infrastructure projects that support the well-being of their residents.
Lloydminster’s Alberta side is netting an allocation of $1,143,133, along with a top-up of $1,076,763. Kitscoty is seeing a gain of $56,793 plus $53,496. Vermilion is receiving a benefit of $241,486 plus $227,466 and the County of Vermilion River is seeing a boost of $481,053 plus $453,123. Wainwright is seeing a dose of $364,848 and a top-up of $343,665, with the Municipal District of Wainwright to receive $260,631 plus $245,499.
The federal GTF is a long-term, indexed source of funding that supports a diverse range of local infrastructure projects across the province each year. For example, in Red Deer County, 22 kilometres of Range Road 10 are seeing upgrades funded through the federal GTF.
In Wood Buffalo, new and improved playground equipment around Pine Lake at the campground, day-use area and Kettle Point Group campsite was purchased with local GTF funding and in partnership with Parks Canada. The town of Nobleford p[urchased a replacement of water pumping equipment within the town’s water system to give more reliable, consistent and clean drinking water.