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$70 million regional wastewater line project officially recognized today in Lacombe

The North Red Deer Regional Wastewater Line is an important infrastructure announcement, celebrated today by officials.
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MILESTONE -From left

BY KALISHA MENDONSA

Earlier this morning, a ground-breaking event was held to celebrate the official beginning of construction on the North Red Deer Regional Wastewater Line.

The event was attended by the Honourable Amarjeet Sohi, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities, the Honourable Brian Mason, Alberta Minister of Infrastructure and Transportation, Mayor Steve Christie, Blackfalds Mayor Melodie Stol, Red Deer Mayor Tara Veer and Paula Law, Reeve of Lacombe County.

For Christie, this long-awaited event brings an extra sense of pride, as Christie has dedicated his time as the Chair of the North Red Deer Regional Wastewater Services Commission (NRDRWSC), for many years.

"I am elated. As I said before, I don't know how a wastewater line can be emotional, but here we are," Christie said.

"This has been at the forefront of my mandate for five years now. It's about recognizing the importance of future growth for our area. Without this built infrastructure, and clean water, you can't grow."

This infrastructure project will connect Lacombe, Blackfalds and Lacombe County to the regional wastewater treatment facility in Red Deer. It includes the construction of 26 kilometres of wastewater pipeline, regional lift stations in Blackfalds and Lacombe, an odour management facility in Red Deer.

The project has an estimated cost of over $70 million, which will be shared between three parties. The Government of Canada will contribute up to $28.9 million to the project under the Clean Water and Wastewater fund. The Government of Alberta has committed to $24.7 million, while the NRDRWSC will cover the remaining costs of the project.

"Our government's investment in this critical project will make life better for Albertans by improving access to wastewater services, while helping to create jobs and support the local economy. By collaborating with federal and municipal partners, we are able to fund more projects and provide better services for people in Central Alberta," said Minister Mason.

This project has been adapted from the originally proposed Central Alberta Regional Wastewater (CARWW) System, which was brought forth in 2006. Since that time, there have been infrastructure adjustments and repairs done to the current wastewater lines.

The project has been divided into six separate construction contracts, but all six portions of the project will be built at the same time, so as to minimize impact to affected communities.

This waterline serves as not only a vital infrastructure development, but also as a sustainable way to manage the growth and needs of Central Alberta citizens while reducing economic impacts.

For the full-length edition of the Express coverage on this story, please check our print edition on March 30th. Our website will be updated at this time with the full story available for online viewing.

kmendonsa@lacombeexpress.com