A common sense approach to community progress
By Lethbridge Herald on August 10, 2024.
AT THE LEGISLATURE
Nathan Neudorf – UCP MLA for Lethbridge East
Positive developments are happening in our province and our community that we can all be proud of. While much focus often falls on the broader national and international scenes, several initiatives within Alberta and Lethbridge deserve attention. Today, I am thrilled to share some exciting updates on our provincial electricity sector and recent funding initiatives that promise to enhance our community’s infrastructure and services.
Powering Up Alberta
The provincial government is also actively seeking partnerships to attract organizations that can help in cost-sharing transmission and distribution rates. This strategic move aims to alleviate the financial pressures associated with electricity costs, making power more affordable for all Albertans.
This approach not only supports our environmental goals but also provides economic relief to households and businesses alike.
Restructuring the energy market is a key focus, and the Market Surveillance Administrator’s report strongly supports our efforts to modernize the system. We are making great strides towards saving Albertans money through the Regulated Rate Option (RRO) and local access fees.
Our commitment to modernizing the energy system is unwavering, and there is more work to come as we continue to innovate and improve.
Investing in Lethbridge: Funding Highlights
The provincial government has been steadfast in its commitment to supporting Lethbridge through various funding programs. Here’s a look at some of the notable allocations and projects:
• Municipal Sustainability Initiative (MSI): In 2023, Lethbridge received $10,200,842. Looking ahead, the Local Government Fiscal Framework (LGFF) capital allocations for 2024 and 2025 are $12,323,689 and $14,272,235, respectively. The city has a combined total of $34,681,807 from MSI and LGFF available for new eligible projects.
• Canada Community-Building Fund (CCBF): The CCBF is a federal capital infrastructure program administered by the Government of Alberta. For 2024, Lethbridge’s allocation stands at $6,257,292. Currently, $6,462,261 is available for new projects. Notably, the city has committed CCBF funding to two critical projects:
• Water Treatment Plant Expansion: Approved in April 2024, with completion expected by December 2028, this project has an estimated cost of $48.8 million, with $1.6 million committed from the CCBF.
• Wastewater Treatment Plant Process and Electrical Upgrades: Also approved in April 2024 and slated for completion by December 2028, this project has an estimated cost of $58.2 million, with $3.4 million committed from the CCBF.
• Additional Funding Allocations:
• Family and Community Support Services Program: $2,555,892 for 2024.
• Fire Services Training Program: $9,186 for 2023-24.
• Alberta Community Partnership Program: $2,800,000 for 2023-24.
• Grants In Place of Taxes: $569,735 for 2023-24.
• Local Government Fiscal Framework (Operating): $1,303,180 for 2024-25.
• Municipal Sustainability Initiative (Operating): $1,303,180 for 2023-24.
• Policing Support Grant: $1,923,712 for 2023-24.
• 911 Grant Program: $1,315,335 for 2023-24.
In June 2024, Lethbridge received $2.8 million through the Alberta Community Partnership – Strategic Initiatives component for detailed designs to upgrade and expand the water treatment plant, enhancing our treated water capacity. This project includes preliminary designs for future upgrades, ensuring our infrastructure keeps pace with growing demands.
Recognizing Our Achievements
It is crucial for local governments to recognize and celebrate these achievements. Public recognition not only highlights the collaborative efforts between municipal and provincial governments but also fosters community pride and transparency. Whether through media events, signage at construction sites, or public announcements, acknowledging these contributions helps keep our community informed and engaged.
Advancing Education and Healthcare
In addition to infrastructure, Lethbridge is witnessing substantial investments in education and healthcare. Lethbridge College is transitioning to a polytechnic institution, broadening its educational offerings and enhancing opportunities for students. Furthermore, the University of Lethbridge is introducing a new rural medical program, addressing the critical need for healthcare professionals in our rural communities.
A Bright Future Ahead
These developments reflect our collective commitment to building a resilient, prosperous, and sustainable community. By focusing on renewable energy, strategic funding allocations, and advancing education and healthcare, we are laying a solid foundation for the future of Lethbridge.
Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to work together to make Lethbridge an even better place to live, work, and thrive.
31-30
UCP common sense? Nice try. The UCP’s almost daily missteps and failings are much more prominent these days. The list of failings in this article say it best:
“How We Live: Detailing the UCP changes, by the numbers – it’s grim”
http://www.calgaryherald.com/opinion/columnists/how-we-live-the-ucps-failings-by-the-numbers
Thank you for pointing out this Calgary Herald article. My experience was that if I directly clicked on the link then it opened to more of a Calgary Herald home page than to the specific article. I then searched for the specific title noted in your link and was able to open that article. A worthwhile read. Back to Neudorf’s column… I was glad to see that the oft-UCP-maligned feds once again contributed notably to the positive funding initiatives that Nathan is thrilled to share.
Taking credit for federal funds just because you force them to flow through the province is shameful! How much would be saved if you didn’t add this unnecessary level of red tape? Beyond that, the old MSI and the new fiscal framework funding are the same thing. Trying to take double credit for the same thing under two different names is disingenuous, not to mention that thanks to provincial downloading they are much less they used to be and half of what they should be.
I think that is what the Minister of Red Tape does for the UCP … add bureaucracy to Federal funds, add bureaucracy to pensions, add bureaucracy to health care, add bureaucracy to policing … You have to admit they are doing a very impressive job.
You are absolutely and entirely missing the point of that Ministry. Why note taking a look at the Ministry before you spout off non-sense?
It would be very enlightening to see/hear how you perceive your deductions? Your comments are at best “dis-jointed” and totally unsupported in facts.
Woe is me, I’m NDP. 😂😂
Sucks to be, UCP!😂😂