THIRTY-ONE COMMUNITIES RECEIVE INFRASTRUCTURE FUNDING

More than $26 million will be invested in 31 infrastructure projects across the province through the Canada-Saskatchewan Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund (MRIF). The Governments of Canada and Saskatchewan are investing $3.9 million each, while participating municipalities will provide the remaining $18.2 million.

Carol Skelton, Minister of National Revenue and Minister of Western Economic Diversification, and Saskatchewan Government Relations Minister Harry Van Mulligen outlined the funding today.

"This shared government investment will allow communities across Saskatchewan to meet the local needs they have identified," Skelton said. "The Government of Canada believes that infrastructure investments are crucial to economic productivity and quality of life in our communities. Specifically, the wastewater and water supply projects are strong evidence that this Government is committed to building healthier communities throughout Saskatchewan."

"The Government of Saskatchewan is committed to working with all levels of government to develop, renew and enhance our communities," Van Mulligen said. "By investing in our roads, water and sewer systems and other infrastructure priorities, we are investing in the future health and sustainability of Saskatchewan municipalities."

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 will raise the total infrastructure investment above $152 million.

This MRIF funding includes six local road projects, 21 wastewater and water supply improvements, two energy-efficient building projects, one cultural and one recreational project. Before receiving final approval, community projects undergo a review process under both the Canadian Environment Assessment Act and The Environmental Assessment Act (Saskatchewan).

Information regarding the Government of Canada and Province of Saskatchewan's infrastructure programs can be found online at www.infrastructure.gc.ca or www.municipal.gov.sk.ca/mrd/prosimsi.shtml.

Municipalities seeking more information should contact the Canada-Saskatchewan Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund Joint Secretariat at (306) 787-7414.

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For More Information, Contact:

Joanne Mysak Western Economic Diversification Canada Saskatoon Phone: (306) 975-5942	Bill Carney Saskatchewan Government Relations Regina Phone: (306) 787-6156
Amy Ringdahl Office of the Minister of National Revenue and Ottawa Phone: (613) 996-9331