Over the past several months, the RMA, in conjunction with Tantus Solutions Group, has undertaken an ambitious study to assess the current infrastructure deficit in rural municipalities. This is a critical initiative to support ongoing advocacy efforts and to demonstrate the importance of provincial investment into rural municipal infrastructure. This work consisted of collection and in-depth analysis of provincial and municipal asset data.

The project's final report is now available. It identifies Alberta's overall rural municipal infrastructure deficit at $17.25 billion, and projects that the deficit will grow to $40.71 billon in 2028 based on current provincial funding available for rural municipal infrastructure projects. The report also finds that a one-time investment to return the portfolio to good condition would have a return on investment of approximately 3.3 years due to the lower annual maintenance costs required for to maintain the network at an optimal condition level.

The report also includes the following 15 recommendations for the Government of Alberta, the RMA, and rural municipalities:

Government of Alberta

1. Provide near-term funding increases to address the infrastructure deficit and support critical infrastructure for economic prosperity

2. Develop a prioritization matrix for key municipal infrastructure to determine funding priorities

3. Introduce restrictions on existing funding to focus investment on core infrastructure maintenance/renewal

4. Introduce grant program to support asset management program development by municipalities

5. Strengthen asset management program existence as an eligibility requirement on funding programs

6. Develop an asset data reporting program for municipalities

7. Introduce innovation funding to support new technology and construction techniques

The RMA

8. Renew and promote asset management supports and education programming for members

9. Develop ongoing asset data collection program for member asset information

10. Explore program development/promotion of collaborative asset management programming among members

11. Utilize canoe to promote innovative technology and materials for infrastructure renewal work

12. Continue advocacy on key infrastructure issues

Rural Municipalities

13. Expand Asset Inventorying and Asset Management Programs

14. Explore Increased Regional Collaboration for Asset Management Program Development and Infrastructure Renewal Projects

15. Conduct Climate Change Resiliency Planning for Core Infrastructure

At this point, the RMA plans to shift its focus to advocating on and actioning the recommendations in the report. For more detailed information on each of the asset types examined throughout the project, check out previously released reports: one on bridges, one on roads, and one on utility infrastructure. For more information on the purpose of the overall Rural Municipal Infrastructure Deficit project, read the project overview document.