IMPROVEMENTS TO 4TH STREET IN ESTEVAN

Finance Minister Ralph Goodale, on behalf of Transport Minister Jean-C. Lapierre, along with Highways and Transportation Minister Maynard Sonntag, today announced that the City of Estevan has reached an agreement with the Government of Canada and the Province of Saskatchewan to cost-share improvements to 4th Street.

Under the agreement, 2.8 kilometres of 4th Street will be resurfaced at a cost of $3 million. Estevan will contribute $1 million, with the remaining $2 million funded equally by the federal and provincial governments through the Canada-Saskatchewan Border Infrastructure Fund. Design and planning work will occur this year, with construction scheduled for 2006.

"This federal, provincial and municipal collaboration will directly benefit the travellers and businesses in Estevan and the rest of Saskatchewan," said Mr. Goodale. "The improvements and upgrades to Highway 39 demonstrate the Government of Canada's commitment to improving the safety, efficiency and sustainability of Saskatchewan's transportation system."

"Fourth Street's link to Highway 39 makes it a vital connector to the provincial and national highway systems," Sonntag said. "With this agreement, all three levels of government recognize a shared interest in improving this important corridor."

The Government of Canada established the $600 million Border Infrastructure Fund to help reduce border congestion, expand infrastructure capacity over the medium term, co-ordinate with adjacent American border facility and road access, support the implementation of the Smart Border Action Plan, and enhance safety and security at border crossings.

In Saskatchewan, the federal and provincial governments are cost-sharing $10 million in improvements to Highway 39 from the United States border to Hitchcock, Saskatchewan.

"Fourth Street has been severely impacted by the volume of heavy truck traffic coming through our city," Deputy Mayor Sandy Wilson said. "We are sure these monies will provide a good portion of the funds required to repair Fourth Street."

In addition to the federal, provincial and municipal cost-sharing agreement for the resurfacing of 4th Street, the city and the province have agreed to conduct a study on a future truck bypass. The study will cost $100,000 with Saskatchewan Highways and Transportation contributing 80 per cent of the cost.

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For More Information, Contact:

Doug Wakabayashi Highways and Transportation Regina Phone: (306) 787-4804	Irene Marcheterre Office of the Minister of Transport Ottawa Phone: (613) 991-0700
Jim Puffalt City of Estevan Estevan Phone: (306) 634-1803