File Photo/CHAT News

By Jesse Gill

GOVERNMENT

Provincial funding announced for Brooks water treatment facility and Newell County range road

Jul 25, 2025 | 2:40 PM

The Alberta government announced $114.6 million in grant funding for infrastructure in rural communities during a press conference in Brooks on Friday.

The funding will be distributed through the Strategic Transportation Infrastructure Program, the Alberta Municipal Water/Wastewater Partnership and Water for Life program.

Premier Danielle Smith said that rural Alberta is the backbone of our province, driving economic growth, feeding the world and strengthening our communities.

“Our government is investing in the infrastructure rural communities need to grow and thrive, whether it’s reliable roads, modern bridges, safe community airports or water facilities,” Premier Smith said.

“These are the essentials that support families, attract investment and keep our rural economy moving,” she added.

WHAT'S ON

Here is what's on this weekend in Medicine Hat: Dec. 12-14

Dec 12, 2025

WHAT'S ON

Here is what's on this weekend in Medicine Hat: December 5-7

Dec 05, 2025

WHAT'S ON

Top five things to do at the Medicine Hat Public Library in December

Nov 30, 2025

“Through Budget 2025, we’re proud to partner with municipalities to deliver real, on-the-ground results that build stronger communities and a stronger Alberta.”

Minster of transportation and economic corridors Devin Dreeshen said rural communities are vital to Alberta’s success.

“In Budget 2025, we are making targeted investments through the Strategic Transportation Infrastructure Program and our water grant funding programs to ensure rural communities across the province have effective transportation and water infrastructure to support their continued growth and prosperity,” Minister Dreeshen said.

—

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith, with minister Devin Dreeshen, and councillor Joel Goodnough at funding announcement on Friday. Courtesy/City of Brooks

A total of 51 local road, bridge and community airport projects are receiving funding this year under STIP, the Alberta government said.

A $2.6-million grant for the reconstruction of Range Road 150 in Newell County, west of Brooks is included in these projected.

The Alberta government release stated that this road is an important part of the county’s future truck route, providing connectivity for residents and commercial traffic between HWY 1 and HWY 542.

Additionally, a $3.5-million grant will support an industrial rail extension project in Coaldale, which will allow local producers to transport southern Alberta-grown and manufactured goods to a global customer base in the agrifood processing sector.

Funding is being provided for 35 water and wastewater projects this year in small and rural communities across Alberta.

Approved projects under the Alberta Municipal Water/Wastewater Partnership include an $8.9 million grant to the City of Brooks to design and build a mechanical membrane bioreactor wastewater treatment plant to replace the lagoon-based system, the government said.

Brooks mayor John Petrie said they are very pleased to receive this substantial support from the Government of Alberta.

“The $8.9 million in funding for our new wastewater treatment facility is a critical investment in Brooks’ future,” Petrie said.

“This project will help us meet the needs of a growing population, support economic development and ensure long-term sustainability for our community.”