Programs help rural communities get connected and diversify; Alberta government three-year funding initiative completed.

M2 PRESSWIRE-May 20, 2011-: Programs help rural communities get connected and diversify; Alberta government three-year funding initiative completed(C)1994-2011 M2 COMMUNICATIONS

RDATE:20052011

Edmonton... The Alberta government has approved 28 new projects that will create economic opportunities and improve access to high-speed broadband services in rural communities.

The $3.9 million investment completes a three-year funding initiative through the Rural Community Adaptation Grant Program and the Rural Connections: Community Broadband Infrastructure Pilot program. Funding for both programs was made available through the Government of Canada's Community Development Trust Fund to help provinces and territories assist communities, organizations and workers move towards great economic sustainability.

Since 2008/09, the Rural Community Adaptation Grant Program has provided $13.6 million to 67 projects to help rural communities adapt to changing economic circumstances. New projects receiving assistance include: the Vulcan Business Development Society will use a $144,000 grant to develop and implement a branding and marketing strategy for the region; a $250,000 grant will enable the Whitefish Lake Band #128 to further develop their business and human resource plan; and, the Village of Foremost received $250,000 to plan and advance the Unmanned Air Systems Training and Development Centre in the region.

Under the Rural Connections: Community Broadband Infrastructure Pilot Program, priority was given to community-led broadband infrastructure projects where rural Albertans have limited or no access to broadband connectivity. Since 2008/09, this program has provided $10.4 million to 34 projects connecting more rural communities to high-speed internet. New projects receiving assistance include: the Round Hill & District Agricultural Society received a $135,570 grant to develop and construct a wireless broadband infrastructure network in Round Hill and the regions north of Gwynne and south of Miquelon Lake; a $115,600 grant will assist the Municipal District of Willow Creek No. 26 with an expanded wireless broadband network to areas in the southwest region of the Municipal District; and, Lac Ste. Anne County received $460,440 to support the development and construction of a wireless broadband network to provide coverage to areas of the County around the Cherhill and Rochford Bridge region.

Descriptions of all approved projects for the Rural Community Adaptation Grant Program and the Rural Connections: Community Broadband Infrastructure Pilot Program are available at www.rural.alberta.ca or by calling the Rural Development Division at 780-427-2409.

Media inquiries may be directed to:

Drew Hiltz

Rural Development Division

Agriculture and Rural Development

780-643-1830

Ag Media Line

780-422-1005

To call toll free within Alberta dial 310-0000.

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