Calgary readies wishlist for federal infrastructure funds

On the heels of a federal funding infrastructure announcement of $1 billion, a Calgary city councillor is putting together his wishlist.

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The federal government is in a hurry to fast-track $13 billion in infrastructure funding.

With Alberta and Saskatchewan hard hit by plunging oil prices, both provinces could get a quick shot in the arm.Alberta is set to receive $704 million and Saskatchewan will get $361 million.

Coun.Shane Keating says he hopes the province has one of Calgary's megaprojects front of mind when the funds flow.

The city and the federal government have already committed $3 billion to the city's proposed Green Line LRT route, expected to cost about $5 billion.

"I still believe that the Green Line is the number one priority in Calgary at this time and I would hope that if they're going to take some funds, they would dedicate it strictly to the green line," Keating said.

A number of large provincial projects in Calgary have already been approved, including the completion of the ring road and the construction of a new cancer centre.

The city identified a handful of "shovel ready"priorities early last year, including a Foothills Athletic Parkfieldhouse, bus rapid transit corridors and a new police processing unit.

Alberta's infrastructure minister says informal discussions with the federal government indicate the province will receive infrastructure funding earlier than expected.

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Brian Mason would not comment on which projects may get immediate funding this year.