Federal gas tax gets put to good use

By Jamie Rieger
The first of two installments of the federal Gas Tax Fund, have begun being distributed, with $109.5 million coming to Alberta communities.
In total, the province will be provided with over $219 million through the fund.
Local municipalities have determined on which projects they will be using their gas tax money.
Foremost mayor Ken Kultgen said the $50,000 his community is receiving will be used for sewer service line rehabilitation and paving.
“We have cameraed some areas and will be working on some of that infrastructure,” he said.
The County of Forty Mile, which received $179,854 is using the funding for improvement projects in their hamlets.
Bow Island is receiving $109,174, which mayor Gordon Reynolds said would be going into construction capital, with a portion going to the development project at Westview Crescent.
Project categories for the federal gas tax include: Roads and bridges, public transit, drinking water and wastewater infrastructure, and recreational facilities.
“Through the federal Gas Tax Fund, communities across Alberta and the rest of Canada can direct federal funding to the infrastructure projects that address the most pressing needs of local residents and businesses, from improving drinking water to building new recreational facilities. The Government of Canada is proud to deliver this predictable, long-term funding to help ensure access to good middle class jobs, increased mobility, greater economic opportunities, sustainable communities and a high-quality of life for all Canadians,” said Amarjeet Sohi, minister of Infrastructure and Communities.