June 30, 2025

Clearwater County Receives Strategic Infrastructure Program Grant

(Rocky Mountain House, AB) – Clearwater County is the proud recipient of a $708,750 Strategic Infrastructure Program (STIP) grant from the Province of Alberta.

This funding will be allocated towards the replacement of the BF 77947 bridge, approximately nine kilometres northwest of Caroline along Range Road 6-4, crossing Mud Creek.

STIP grants are paramount to providing local infrastructure. Grants like this one, provided by the Ministry of Transportation and Economic Corridors, allow municipal governments to upkeep and provide the critical infrastructure that impacts the everyday lives of local residents.

The BF 77947 bridge is currently restricted to a five-tonne weight limit – a recommendation that followed an engineering inspection in 2024.

Due to the age of the bridge, replacement was favourable over extensive repair work. The existing 6.1 metre structure was installed in 1975 and is constructed of treated timber. Considerations for replacement include advanced rot and backwall movement resulting in crushed piles. The updated structure will be a 3.36 metre bridge-sized culvert.

BF 77947 is located on a no-exit road. Closure or removal of the bridge would leave the residents to the south with no access to their property. Thanks to the STIP funding, bridge reconstruction will ensure these residents continue to have access to and from their properties.

“Investments in rural infrastructure like the Mud Creek bridge may not always make headlines, but they make a real difference in the lives of the people who live and work here. Whether it’s families, farmers, or emergency vehicles needing reliable access, projects like this matter. They help keep our communities connected, our roads safe, and our economy moving.”

– Michelle Swanson, Clearwater County Reeve

“Investing in transportation, water, and wastewater infrastructure across Rimbey-Rocky Mountain House-Sundre is essential to keeping our communities safe, connected, and economically resilient. The replacement of the Mud Creek bridge is a significant step forward in ensuring our infrastructure meets modern standards and serves the needs of residents, farmers, and local businesses.

This project will enhance safety, improve reliability, and support better access throughout the region. Upgrades like this not only improve daily life for our constituents but also reflect our government’s strong commitment to building a stronger future for rural Alberta.”

– Hon. Jason Nixon, MLA Rimbey-Rocky Mountain House-Sundre

“Clearwater County is a great example of how local leadership and provincial support can work together to deliver practical, meaningful results. Our government is focused on investing in infrastructure that rural Albertans rely on every day.”

– Devin Dreeshen, Minister of Transportation and Economic Corridors

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Media Inquiries:

Clearwater County Communications

communications@clearwatercounty.ca

403-845-4444