SEARCH NEWS
ECONOMY: Alberta unveils $120 billion infrastructure investments over the next 20 years
        (AlbertaIndex, February 7, Thursday) --- The Alberta government has  announced a long-term plan to invest an average of $6 billion a year in capital projects over the next 20 years.
        The province’s first 20-year infrastructure plan will focus on developing its municipal infrastructure, provincial highway and transportation networks, health facilities, schools and post secondary education, housing and government facilities, community facilities, and water and wastewater facilities.

Announcing the plan, Premier Ed Stelmach said: “With forecasts indicating our economy will remain strong and our population will continue to grow, we have a responsibility to plan now for the infrastructure needs of tomorrow.

“This plan shows us that Albertans have every reason to be hopeful about the future. It shows we can build responsibly and put ourselves ahead of the growth curve. We don’t ever want to be in a position of playing catch-up again. With this plan, building tomorrow begins today.”

The government said Alberta has made significant progress on infrastructure needs over the past few years. Since the first three-year capital plan of $5.5 billion was published in Budget 2003, it has grown to $20.7 billion for 2007-10.

Alberta’s per capita spending on infrastructure remains at more than three times the average of other provinces.  However, no previous infrastructure plan has looked 20 years ahead with this range and scope.

The government said the 20-year plan is not intended to reflect a comprehensive list of all projects to be built, although a number are mentioned. Specific projects and costs will continue to be part of the annual budgeting process.

The plan sets directions for infrastructure based on demographic and economic forecasts, the need for capital maintenance and renewal, and budget considerations. It also makes a clear commitment to environmentally friendly design and building practices.

“This first-ever 20-year infrastructure plan for Alberta responds to immediate and medium-term needs, envisions what will likely be required 20 years down the road, and initiates preparedness now,” said Gene Zwozdesky, Associate Minister of Capital Planning and author of the plan. “With this blueprint we are addressing Alberta’s infrastructure needs and securing Alberta’s future.”

“This plan also initiates a new monitoring and reporting process that commits our government to report progress on this plan annually.”


Did you enjoy this article? Please share it!
Reddit!Del.icio.us!Google!Netscape!StumbleUpon!Newsvine!Furl!Yahoo!