RURAL MUNICIPALITIES RECEIVE INFRASTRUCTURE INVESTMENTS

Estevan, Arcola, Macoun and the rural municipalities of Benson No. 35, Moose Mountain No. 63 and Wawken No. 93 are eligible for more than $3.8 million worth of new infrastructure projects approved under the Canada-Saskatchewan Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund (C-S MRIF).

• City of Estevan - water treatment plant upgrade with a MRIF contribution of $1 million and an eligible project cost of $2,658,540;

• Town of Arcola - water treatment plant upgrade (UV system and water storage reservoir) with a MRIF contribution of $292,000 and an eligible project cost of $584,000 (pending environmental assessment);

• Village of Macoun - water treatment system upgrade with a MRIF contribution of $67,694 and an eligible project cost of $135,390;

• RM of Benson No. 35 - Hamlet of Benson, biofiltration system with a MRIF contribution of $40,270 and an eligible project cost of $80,540;

• RM of Moose Mountain No. 63 - road reconstruction with a MRIF contribution of $123,184 and an eligible project cost of $246,368; and

• RM of Wawken No. 93 - road reconstruction with a MRIF contribution of $77,136 and an eligible project cost of $154,272.

These investments are part of the more than $51 million in federal, provincial and municipal funds that was announced for 58 C-S MRIF infrastructure projects across the province. The governments of Canada and Saskatchewan will contribute $6.2 million each while participating municipalities will provide the remaining $39 million.

"Saskatchewan people expect their governments to work together and this program is a shining example of governments working together on behalf of their common constituents," Government Relations Minister Len Taylor said. "From a water treatment plant upgrade in Estevan to road reconstruction in the rural municipalities of Moose Mountain and Wawken, Saskatchewan's $6.2 million investment is part of our government's commitment to fund municipal and regional infrastructure for our communities."

The federal and provincial governments are investing a total of $76 million in the four-year Canada-Saskatchewan Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund.

Participating communities are expected to contribute one-half the cost of any project, which could raise the total infrastructure investment to $152 million.

Projects approved include 29 transportation projects, 25 waste water and water supply improvements, and four solid waste projects. Before receiving final approval, community projects undergo a review process under the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act and all mitigating factors will be addressed during the construction phase.

For more information on the Government of Canada and Saskatchewan's infrastructure programs, visit www.infrastructure.gc.ca or www.municipal.gov.sk.ca/mrd/prosimsi.shtml.

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For More Information, Contact:

Maureen Boyle Government Relations Regina Phone: (306) 787-5959