MUNICIPAL AFFAIRS MINISTER HIGHLIGHTS UNPRECEDENTED MUNICIPAL INVESTMENT AT SARM MID-TERM CONVENTION

Municipal Affairs Minister Jeremy Harrison highlighted municipal investment, growth and momentum in his mid-term update at the Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities (SARM) Mid-Term convention today.

A significant part of municipal investment flows through the Ministry of Municipal Affairs primarily for essential water, wastewater, transportation and recreation infrastructure.

"This unprecedented investment means cleaner drinking water for Saskatchewan families, safer roads for all travellers and increased recreational opportunities," Harrison said.

Under the Building Canada Plan, the provincial and federal governments together have committed $645.4 million from 2008-09 through 2013-14.

All available funding under application-based, competitive programs has been committed to 300 projects and additional per-capita funding will be distributed to communities beginning in 2010-11 through the second round of the Gas Tax Program.

In the 2009-10 provincial budget, Municipal Operating Grants rose 24 per cent to $167.4 million - a record amount of support for Saskatchewan municipalities.

The Saskatchewan Infrastructure Growth Initiative Program (SIGI), which provides interest relief grants for up to five years on $300 million of municipal borrowing, has approved 64 projects in 53 municipalities with eligible borrowing of $139.1 million in the first two years of the four year program.

And a $100 million economic booster shot was delivered quickly and efficiently to municipalities on a per capita basis through the Municipal Economic Enhancement Program (MEEP).

Harrison reminded delegates the deadline for the interim report under the MEEP program is Feb. 26, 2010, but if municipalities are already finished their projects, they may submit their reports earlier.

SARM represents 296 rural municipalities in Saskatchewan. SARM holds a mid-term convention every fall in Regina or Saskatoon.

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For more information, contact:

Jeff Welke
Municipal Affairs
Regina
Phone: 306-787-6156
Email: jeff.welke@gov.sk.ca
Cell: 306-536-1185