PROVINCE SPEEDS UP $17 M INVESTMENT IN HIGHWAYS AND INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS

The provincial government is investing $17.65 million in six transportation projects as part of the $500 million infrastructure stimulus package announced last week.

"These investments will not only improve the transportation system, they support the growth aspirations of our cities and help to ensure Saskatchewan's economy remains strong," Wayne Elhard, Minister of Highways and Infrastructure said. "Advancing this money now means pre-construction work can be completed in time to get work underway in the upcoming construction season."

A total of $10 million will go to the City of Regina to support development of the Regina Global Transportation Hub.

"Development of the Global Transportation Hub will provide our businesses and export markets with efficient, state-of-the art links to Canadian and international markets," Elhard said. "With nearly 70 per cent of our economy driven by exports, this will make Saskatchewan more competitive and Regina a more attractive place to invest."

The remaining $7.65 million will be distributed to the following projects:

Highway 1 and 4 interchange improvements - City of Swift Current - $6 million
Contribution through the Urban Highway Connector Program - City of Lloydminster - $750,000
Highway 39 service road improvements (New City Garden Road) - City of Weyburn - $450,000
Highway 6 improvements - City of Melfort - $300,000
Highway 20 intersection improvements - City of Humboldt - $150,000

"Developing these important urban roadway connections to the provincial highway system ensures corridor continuity to, from and through urban centres," Elhard said. "These investments will also enhance safety, alleviate congestion and support the growth of cities."

This $17.65 million investment in highways infrastructure is in addition to the $517.2 million already announced for highways this fiscal year.

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For more information, contact:

Doug Wakabayashi
Highways and Infrastructure
Regina
Phone: 306-787-4804
Cell: 306-787-0049