RURAL MUNICIPALITIES RECEIVE INFRASTRUCTURE INVESTMENTS

The town of Big River and the rural municipality of Shellbrook No. 493 are eligible for more than $1.6 million worth of new infrastructure projects approved under the Canada-Saskatchewan Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund (C-S MRIF).

• Town of Big River - water treatment plant and reservoir replacement with a MRIF contribution of $500,000 and an eligible project cost of $1,487,000; and

• RM of Shellbrook No. 493 - grid road reconstruction with a MRIF contribution of $57,600 and an eligible project cost of $115,200.

These investments are part of the more than $51 million in federal, provincial and municipal funds that was announced for 58 C-S MRIF infrastructure projects across the province. The governments of Canada and Saskatchewan will contribute $6.2 million each, while participating municipalities will provide the remaining $39 million.

"Saskatchewan people expect their governments to work together and this program is a shining example of governments working together on behalf of their common constituents," Government Relations Minister Len Taylor said. "From a water treatment plant and reservoir replacement in Big River to grid road reconstruction in the rural municipality of Shellbrook, Saskatchewan's $6.2 million investment is part of our government's commitment to fund municipal and regional infrastructure for our communities."

The federal and provincial governments are investing a total of $76 million in the four-year Canada-Saskatchewan Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund.

Participating communities are expected to contribute one-half the cost of any project, which could raise the total infrastructure investment to $152 million.

Projects approved include 29 transportation projects, 25 waste water and water supply improvements and four solid waste projects. Before receiving final approval, community projects undergo a review process under the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act and all mitigating factors will be addressed during the construction phase.

For more information on the Government of Canada and Saskatchewan's infrastructure programs, visit www.infrastructure.gc.ca or www.municipal.gov.sk.ca/mrd/prosimsi.shtml.

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For More Information, Contact:

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