Following an agreement with the province and Azure Sustainable Fuel to provide $2.9 million over the next two years to the new plant to be developed at Portage la Prairie, the federal government stepped up to the plate Wednesday.  

Energy and Natural Resources Minister Jonathan Wilkinson made the announcement in Winnipeg, with Portage Mayor Sharilyn Knox and RM of Portage la Prairie Deputy Reeve Roy Tufford present, that the federal government will give $6.2 million for early-stage development. 

"I am very pleased to announce that we are working together on another investment in Manitoba's clean economy," notes Wilkinson. "Today, the federal government is announcing that we will be investing $6.2 million for zero sustainable fuels to conduct a front-end engineering design study for the planned sustainable aviation fuel facility near Portage la Prairie. This includes $5 million from Natural Resources Canada, my department, and $1.2 million from the Canada Infrastructure Bank."

He adds that these funds will complement the government of Manitoba's nearly $3 million investment in the project. 

Premier Wab Kinew outlined his appreciation.

"This is a very welcome announcement and we're happy to be making an investment alongside your government, the folks at Azure and the Canada Infrastructure Bank," says Kinew. "I think it's pretty amazing to see the sort of economic potential that's going to be unlocked here. And then to Mayor Knox and to the Deputy Reeve here, Portage is an important hub in Manitoba's provincial framework and we really look forward to continuing to grow the economic pie for your region and for the whole province." 

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