SASKATOON RECEIVES FUNDING TO UPGRADE WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT

The City of Saskatoon will receive more than $3.2 million from the Canada-Saskatchewan Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund (MRIF) to upgrade a portion of its wastewater treatment plant located in the city's north end.

Saskatchewan Government Relations Minister Harry Van Mulligen and Maurice Vellacott, Member of Parliament for Saskatoon-Wanuskewin on behalf of The Honourable Carol Skelton, Minister of National Revenue and Western Economic Diversification and Saskatoon Mayor Donald Atchison announced the funding today.

"Canada's New Government is getting things done for the people of Saskatoon," said MP Vellacott, on behalf of Minister Skelton, Minister of National Revenue and Western Economic Diversification. "By investing in this project, we will help keep the city of Saskatoon clean, green and healthy."

"Projects like this strengthen the city's infrastructure which in turn makes life better for families now and in the years to come," Van Mulligen said. "We are pleased to invest $1.6 million in Saskatchewan's future and to partner with the federal government and the city on this project."

"We continue to strive for improvements to our wastewater treatment system in order to minimize any impact on the environment," Mayor Donald Atchison said. "As well, this expansion will use the latest in grit removal technology and will address our future needs as the city grows. It also means a reduction in odours for the surrounding area and that's a huge benefit for our residents."

The City is entering into the detailed design stage of this project and expects equipment tenders to be issued in mid-summer followed by a construction tender in the fall of 2007. It is anticipated that the project will be completed in the summer of 2008.

The total project value is estimated at $6.56 million. Scheduled improvements include the expansion and upgrade of the plant's grit and screening facility. The new technology will significantly improve the existing system. The upgrades, which include the addition of discharge stations, will also reduce maintenance costs and odours.

Before receiving final approval, community projects undergo a review process under both the Canadian Environment Assessment Act and The Environmental Assessment Act (Saskatchewan).

The federal and provincial governments are investing a total of $76 million in the four-year Canada-Saskatchewan Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund through to March 31, 2009. Participating communities are expected to contribute one-half the cost of any project, which will raise the total infrastructure investment to more than $152 million.

More information on the Government of Canada and Province of Saskatchewan's infrastructure programs is available online at www.infrastructure.gc.ca or www.municipal.gov.sk.ca/mrd/prosimsi.shtml.

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For More Information, Contact:

Mike Winterburn Minister Skelton's Office Ottawa Phone: 613-995-2960	Heather Waldern Hinds Western Economic Diversification Canada Saskatoon Phone: 306-975-5475
Cathy Gourlie Government Relations Regina Phone: 306-787-2687	Mark Keller City of Saskatoon Saskatoon Phone: 306-975-2566