COMMUNITIES RECEIVE INFRASTRUCTURE SUPPORT

More than $4 million in federal and provincial funds will be spent on 16 infrastructure projects in communities across the province. This year, 89 projects in Saskatchewan municipalities have received a federal/provincial investment of more than $27 million through the Canada-Saskatchewan Infrastructure Program (CSIP).

The Honourable Ralph Goodale, Minister of Finance, on behalf of the Honourable Stephen Owen, Minister of Western Economic Diversification, and Saskatchewan Government Relations Minister Len Taylor announced the funding support today.

"From a water treatment plant expansion in Davidson to grid road work in the RM of Maple Creek, infrastructure projects such as these are the foundation for growth in our communities," Minister Goodale said. "The Government of Canada is committed to stronger, viable communities by supporting locally-identified projects that bring social, economic and environmental benefits to everyone."

"We are committed to providing safe drinking water, environmentally sound waste systems, and quality transportation infrastructure for the citizens of our province," Taylor said. "We are proud to work with our CSIP partners to contribute to the success of Saskatchewan communities."

More than half of the projects announced today are green municipal projects. Nine communities will receive more than $2 million in federal-provincial funds to upgrade water supply and wastewater services. Seven transportation projects will receive more than $2.2 million.

With today's announcement, the federal and provincial governments have announced more than $111 million for 389 projects since 2001. Over the five years of the program, more than $170 million in federal, provincial and municipal funds will be invested in Saskatchewan municipalities.

The Canada-Saskatchewan Infrastructure Program provides up to two-thirds of the eligible costs of community infrastructure projects. Communities provide the remaining one-third of project costs making the program a unique partnership among all three orders of government.

The first priority for infrastructure investment through the CSIP is green municipal projects such as water and wastewater developments and upgrades, solid waste management and recycling, and improving the energy efficiency of buildings owned by municipal governments.

Other priorities under the program include local transportation infrastructure, cultural and recreational facilities, infrastructure supporting tourism, rural and remote telecommunications, high-speed Internet access for local public institutions and affordable housing.

Before receiving final approval, community projects must undergo a review process under the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act. The results of environmental reviews are pending on three of today's projects.

Funding for these initiatives was provided for in the March 2004 federal and provincial budgets.

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For More Information, Contact:

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

Joanne Mysak Western Economic Diversification Canada Saskatoon Phone: (306)975-5942