The future of the Cenovus Energy Hub funding remains uncertain as discussions between local and provincial leaders continue.
Vermilion-Lloydminster-Wainwright MLA Garth Rowswell addressed the issue in a recent interview, shedding light on where Alberta stands on the matter.
Originally, the plan was for money from the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program.
"There hasn't been any new money coming into that program," said Rowswell. "There looks like there might be, but right now, the funds aren't there."
City officials hoped to hear back about the funding request submitted to Alberta in November.
“We’ve got two plans in place right now, we have one, as we’ve publicly said, we’ve got a request into the provincial government on the Alberta side for support for the Cenovus Energy Hub project, we expect to hear that in short order, successful or unsuccessful,” said Lloydminster city manager Dion Pollard.
However, according to Rowswell, Alberta won't decide on funding until at least the end of February. Alberta will make some decisions regarding the Alberta Fund when the budget is released.
"When we have a surplus, half of it by the fiscal framework has to go to debt, 25 per cent can go to the Heritage Savings Trust Fund," said Rowswell. "The Alberta fund would consider one-time projects that don't fit under any other program."
The Cenovus Energy Hub project fits the bill. The city's request to the province is for over $7 million. However, Rowswell couldn't confirm the total amount. He confirmed the Alberta Fund is considering the project.
"The trick was to get it on the list, and we're on that list," Rowswell explained.
He could not confirm how many other projects are on the list vying for funding.
The projected Alberta fiscal budget surplus is north of $500 million. If the projections pan out, $125 million could be available in the Alberta Fund.
The Energy Hub is projected to open in time for the 2025-26 Lloydminster Bobcats season.
With files from Christian Apostolovski
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