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“My goal is to get that money out into the community as quickly as possible, to stimulate the economy, create jobs and deal with the downturn.”

Introduced in the 2013 budget, the New Building Canada Fund is designed to “support projects of national, regional and local significance” that would promote economic growth and new jobs.

It requires funding from all three levels of government, but project commitments in Alberta were delayed by several factors, including federal and provincial elections in 2015, say federal Conservative officials.

The Liberal government won’t change the program’s criteria, but is trying to streamline approvals, Sohi said.

Alberta Infrastructure Minister Brian Mason is consulting municipalities to prioritize where the cash — along with other funding from the Liberal’s new infrastructure program — should be directed.

“Once we get that list, we will review it and … my goal would be the get those projects approved as quickly as possible,” Sohi said.

Ramping up capital spending has become a central focus for the federal, provincial and municipal governments as Alberta’s economy remains in the doldrums due to the dramatic downturn in oil prices and rising unemployment.

The Notley government vowed last October to increase capital spending to $34 billion over five years, while the City of Calgary is eyeing $2.5 billion in infrastructure spending in 2016.

Aside from the New Building Canada Fund, the Liberals promised during the fall election to spend another $60 billion over a decade on infrastructure. Under their plan, $10 billion will be spent in the first two years, although money won’t be allocated until the new federal budget is introduced.