Residents in Newmarket and Aurora will soon see faster improvements to roads, public transit and other local infrastructure thanks to the Conservative government's doubling of Gas Tax transfers to municipalities, said Newmarket-Aurora MP Lois Brown. 

"Through Canada's Economic Action Plan, our government is doubling the annual funding that both Newmarket and Aurora will receive as part of the Gas Tax Fund and making these funds available almost three months early," said Ms. Brown.  "This increased investment will total $3,442,810 in fiscal year 2009-2010 and will help to create jobs, boost sales for local businesses and improve the quality of life for families during these challenging economic times."
 
This latest announcement builds on the Conservative government's previous action of providing permanent Gas Tax Fund transfers to municipalities. Doubling transfers will further help municipalities ensure that their infrastructure is able to meet the future needs of local families, workers and businesses.
 
The federal Gas Tax transfers to the provinces and municipalities will double starting April 1, 2009, and will provide a total of $2 billion per year for municipalities to invest in projects like new roads, water treatment plants, improved buses and transit systems, as well as better sewers and bridges. The initial payment of the Gas Tax Fund will be accelerated by almost three months, making up to $1 billion available to municipalities almost three months early. The first payment will be made in April.
 
Through Canada's Economic Action Plan, the Conservative government is building on the existing federal investment of $33 billion in infrastructure with almost $12 billion in new infrastructure stimulus funding over the next two years. "Our government is proud to be working with municipalities to deliver stable, predictable funding for infrastructure that residents use and depend on every day," said Ms. Brown.