RECORD SUBDIVISION GROWTH GETS SUPPORT THROUGH 2009-10 SASKATCHEWAN INFRASTRUCTURE GROWTH INITIATIVE

The provincial government continues to support record growth in Saskatchewan urban, rural and northern communities through the Saskatchewan Infrastructure Growth Initiative (SIGI). Through SIGI, the provincial government provides payments to municipalities to offset interest charges associated with local government borrowing. Municipal Affairs Minister Bill Hutchinson announced approvals for subdivision and off-site infrastructure projects in 26 communities worth $77.9 million, for construction beginning in 2009-10.

The need for provincial help for communities to support growth is evident when the Ministry of Municipal Affairs reported it is currently processing subdivision applications for 6,886 new development sites - already more than the number of sites approved last year - 6,541 - and 4,272 in 2007-08.

Over the four-year program, Saskatchewan municipalities will be able to borrow a total of $300 million, interest-free. The province's investment, through interest relief, is an estimated $67.5 million over the life of this program.

In addition to the approvals for 2009-10, two additional municipalities were approved for projects worth $2.8 million for the 2008-09 fiscal year due to the growth needs in those communities.

"I'm extremely pleased that this program has been so well-received by the municipal sector in Saskatchewan," Hutchinson said. "It was a key commitment of our government, and is important for our economy. The provincial government understands how vital it is to have the infrastructure in place that will help sustain Saskatchewan's economic momentum, and help communities grow."

Communities interested in applying to SIGI for 2010-2011 have until September 30, 2009 to submit their applications to the Ministry of Municipal Affairs. For more information on SIGI, visit www.municipal.gov.sk.ca/grant-programs/sigi.

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For more information, contact:

Greg Urbanoski
Municipal Affairs
Regina
Phone: 306-787-2155
Email: greg.urbanoski@gov.sk.ca