Supporting Alberta’s Municipalities with Up to $3 Million in Funding for Transportation Infrastructure
Alberta’s municipalities now have a golden opportunity to enhance local transportation infrastructure through the Strategic Transportation Infrastructure Program (STIP). With funding available up to $3 million, the STIP offers essential support for developing and maintaining infrastructure critical to local growth, accessibility, and safety.
Here’s a look at how STIP can empower municipalities, the funding details, eligibility criteria, and how expert support from GrantMatch can make a difference in the application process.
What Is STIP?
The Strategic Transportation Infrastructure Program (STIP) is a government initiative designed to support Alberta’s municipalities in improving their transportation networks. From roads and bridges to community airports, STIP funding helps ensure these essential assets remain safe, functional, and ready to meet local and regional economic demands.
Funding Streams and Contribution Levels
STIP funding is split across four unique streams, each dedicated to a specific type of infrastructure:
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Community Airport Program
- Purpose: Supports the rehabilitation and improvement of public-use airports owned by local communities.
- Funding: 75% provincial and 25% municipal contribution. For runway extensions, contributions are split three ways: 1/3 provincial, 1/3 municipal, and 1/3 industry.
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Local Road Bridge Program
- Purpose: Focuses on rehabilitating and maintaining bridges and large culverts on municipal roads.
- Funding: 75% provincial contribution and 25% municipal contribution, covering a significant share of eligible project costs.
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Resource Road Program
- Purpose: Designed for projects that build or improve roads supporting industrial growth.
- Funding: 50% provincial contribution (up to $3 million per project). Municipalities are encouraged to contribute 25% and seek 25% from private sector partners who will benefit from the improved road infrastructure.
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Local Municipal Initiatives
- Purpose: Offers flexibility for a wide range of local transportation infrastructure projects.
- Funding: Cost-sharing varies based on the specifics of each project, with both provincial and municipal contributions.
Who Is Eligible?
STIP is available to municipalities across Alberta, and each project is evaluated based on a set of comprehensive criteria to determine its potential impact. These criteria include:
- Basic Need and Safety: Does the project address a vital safety need or meet essential transportation requirements?
- Infrastructure Condition: Is the existing infrastructure deteriorating, or does it require maintenance to remain functional?
- Traffic Volumes and Network Impact: How does the project affect local traffic flow, especially heavy truck traffic?
- Cost Effectiveness and Efficiency: Is the project economically viable, and does it make efficient use of funding?
- Economic and Social Benefits: How does the project enhance economic growth, social value, or environmental sustainability?
- Partnerships: Are there collaborative efforts with industry, other municipalities, or Métis Settlements?
By prioritizing projects that offer strong social, economic, and safety benefits, STIP ensures that funding goes where it’s needed most to support communities across Alberta.
Important Dates and Application Process
To be considered for funding, municipalities must submit their applications by November 30 for the following year. Because competition for funding is high, applications are evaluated on a province-wide basis, with only the highest-rated projects receiving support.
How GrantMatch Can Assist in Your STIP Application
Navigating the STIP application process can be complex, especially with so many eligibility and evaluation criteria to consider. GrantMatch has a strong track record of helping municipalities and organizations successfully apply for funding programs like STIP. With our expertise, you’ll have support in crafting a competitive application that maximizes your chances of securing this valuable funding.
Our team can help you:
- Evaluate project eligibility.
- Optimize the application to meet the specific evaluation criteria.
- Leverage partnerships and alternative funding sources.
- Streamline the application process to ensure compliance and increase approval chances.