DETAILS OF FEDERAL GAS TAX FUNDING THROUGH NEW DEAL FOR CITIES AND COMMUNITIES

This week, Saskatchewan municipalities find out the dollar amount available to them under federal gas tax funding provided through the New Deal for Cities and Communities.

In total, Saskatchewan municipalities will receive $147.7 million in federal gas tax revenues for the first five years of a ten-year agreement, beginning with $17.7 million in each of the first two years.

The estimated per capita allocation for each Saskatchewan municipality can be found at http://www.municipal.gov.sk.ca/pdf/percapitanewdeal.pdf.

Eligible infrastructure projects must contribute to clean air, clean water or greenhouse gas reduction in the areas of water, waste water, solid waste management, public transit, community energy systems and roads and bridges. In addition, municipal capacity building projects are eligible.

Municipalities have some flexibility to carry funding over from one year to another. A portion of the funding must be used for projects that are regional in nature of impact.

The New Deal for Cities and Communities agreement to distribute federal gas tax revenue was signed between the governments of Canada and Saskatchewan on Aug. 23rd, 2005. More information on Canada and Saskatchewan infrastructure investments and the New Deal for Cities and Communities can be found at www.infrastructure.gc.ca or www.municipal.gov.sk.ca.

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For More Information, Contact:

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

Communications and Promotion Infrastructure Canada Ottawa Phone: (613) 948-1148