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Strengthening Rural Communities and Regions | |
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From the Dec 8, 2008 Issue of Agri-News | |
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"While Alberta's economy is strong, this funding will help rural communities adapt to changing circumstances," says Agriculture and Rural Development Minister George Groeneveld.
Alberta received $104 million in funding from the new $1 billion national Community Development Trust - monies for provinces and territories to assist communities, organizations and workers move toward greater economic self-reliance. Almost $30 million has been directed towards initiatives to strengthen rural and regional economies. Agriculture and Rural Development received $24 million for two new rural development grant initiatives, while Alberta Finance and Enterprise is providing $4.9 million to 12 rural-based Regional Economic Development Alliances.
Alberta Agriculture's Rural Community Adaptation Program, worth $15 million, will help communities to transition and adapt, resulting in greater resilience and new, more diverse economic opportunities. The program targets rural communities that are facing some economic hardship as a result of global economic volatility, environmental events or reliance on a single industry for employment.
The Rural Connections: Community Broadband Infrastructure Pilot Program has $9 million to increase access to high-speed broadband in rural and remote communities, and projects that extend learning and practices to create a culture of broadband use. Priority will be given to community-led broadband infrastructure projects where communities have limited or no access to broadband. Projects related to broadband applications and skill training are also eligible for funding.
A rural community is defined as any Alberta community outside of the seven urban centres of Calgary, Edmonton,
Fort McMurray, Grande Prairie, Lethbridge, Medicine Hat or Red Deer.
Project grant funding may range from $10,000 to a maximum of $500,000. Program funding will expire on March 31, 2011, or earlier depending on availability of funds.
More information on program criteria and the application process can be obtained at www.rural.alberta.ca or by calling the rural development division at 780-427-2409.
For more information and news on these two grant programs, visit Alberta Agriculture's website.
Contact: Ron Popek 780-422-1858
The contents of this page are no longer available.
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For more information about the content of this document, contact Ron Popek.
This document is maintained by Ada Serafinchon.
This information published to the web on December 3, 2008.
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