MOUNTAIN VIEW COUNTY - Reeve Angela Aalbers has responded to the 2024 Budget, saying she is happy with new grant funding being made available to municipalities.
“We are pleased to see the province of Alberta acknowledge the infrastructure challenges faced by municipalities and eagerly await more details on new grant programs that may become available, including the $60 million over three years in the Local Growth and Sustainability Grant which seeks to facilitate infrastructure funding for economic development and addressing unique community needs,” Aalbers told the Albertan.
The $60 million being offered through the new grant program will “enable municipalities to fund infrastructure that supports economic development and addresses unique and emergent needs in their communities,” said Ric McIver, minster of Municipal Affairs.
While the county is pleased with the new grant funding, concerns with other municipal funding plans remain, said reeve Aalbers.
“We continue to be concerned about the recent decision to transition from Municipal Sustainability Initiative (MSI) to Local Government Framework Funding (LGFF), however, resulting in a decrease in funding to Mountain View County,” she said.
“At all levels of government, we grapple with financial pressures due to increased inflation and material costs. Despite these challenges, we look forward to collaborative efforts with the province to address these issues in future budgets.”
Meanwhile, the budget calls for a $38-million increase to operational funding for the Seniors Lodge, Social Housing and Specialized Housing and Rental Assistance programs in 2024-25.
Sundre-area MLA and Minister of Seniors Community and Social Services Minister Jason Nixon says he is pleased with new seniors lodge and other funding in Budget 2024.
“With each strategic investment in affordable housing, reducing homelessness and supporting our seniors and people with disabilities, we are strengthening our communities and empowering vulnerable Albertans to thrive and succeed,” said Nixon.
