The Alberta Government will be doubling its capital maintenance and renewal (CMR) funding in 2020-21 from $937 million to $1.9 billion by accelerating the capital plan. This will allow the government to act quickly and work with companies across the province so they can keep their workers employed during these challenging times.

Premier Jason Kenney said, “These infrastructure investments will be focused on projects that can be actioned quickly. By doubling our capital maintenance and renewal project funds, we will deliver much-needed improvements to important assets, keep companies operating and most importantly, keep Albertans working. As the weather improves and buildings are empty, now is the perfect time for us to act.”

Assets like schools, roads, post-secondary institutions, and justice facilities will benefit from the long-term capital maintenance and renewal strategy that ensures capital assets are sustained and repaired to generate the most value. By accelerating the capital plan, significant additional work will be undertaken, including $410 million for transportation projects. This includes an additional $60 million for operating, which covers work repairing potholes across the province.

Alberta Roadbuilders and Heavy Construction Association CEO Ron Glen said, “Investing in road construction and maintenance represents excellent value for taxpayers. This significant contribution will create thousands of jobs and economic benefits to communities across Alberta. On behalf of our 800 member companies, the ARHCA thanks the Alberta government for this substantial investment.”

There are 114 projects currently in planning and design and there are 95 projects currently in construction including 27 schools and nine major bridge and road projects, not including capital maintenance and repair.