SOUTHWEST MUNICIPALITIES RECEIVE $1.45 MILLION IN FEDERAL AND PROVINCIAL INFRASTRUCTURE INVESTMENTS

Residents of six municipalities in southwest Saskatchewan will benefit from over $1.45 million in combined federal and provincial funding for six infrastructure projects through the Canada-Saskatchewan Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund (MRIF).

Today's announcement includes more than $479,000 for the Town of Maple Creek to replace its sewage lift station, as well as over $324,000 for the RM of Big Stick to reconstruct a road to help residents and workers from the local natural gas industry access remote areas. A full list of project descriptions and investments is attached.

The investment was announced today by David Anderson, Member of Parliament for Cypress-Hills-Grasslands, on behalf of the Honourable Rona Ambrose, President of the Queen's Privy Council for Canada, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs and Minister of Western Economic Diversification, and Regina Rosemont MLA Joanne Crofford on behalf of Government Relations Minister Harry Van Mulligen.

"I'm proud the provincial government is able to provide real benefits to residents in the southwest by contributing to projects that will result in better roads, improve the environment and provide real benefits for the residents of these communities," Crofford said. "Funding important infrastructure projects like these is one way we work together to make like better for Saskatchewan families."

"Canada's New Government is getting things done for Saskatchewan people," said Anderson. "This investment in road construction, waste management and water treatment provides our communities with safer roads, better waste disposal and cleaner water."

Under the initial MRIF Agreement, the federal and provincial governments committed a combined $76 million to the fund, with participating communities contributing one-half of all costs, raising the total infrastructure investment above $152 million.

This year, Canada's New Government and the Government of Saskatchewan have provided an additional $14.9 million to the Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund as part of their commitment to help smaller communities meet their pressing infrastructure needs. This additional funding brings the total federal and provincial investment in MRIF projects to over $90.9 million.

These projects are an example of how MRIF is supporting a stronger, safer and better province through infrastructure projects that provide cleaner air and water, a stronger economy and a higher quality of life for our communities.

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

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For more information, contact:

Brenda Tarasiuk
Western Economic Diversification Canada
Saskatoon
Phone: 306-975-5943

Tyler McMurchy
Government Relations
Regina
Phone: 306-787-5193
Email: tyler.mcmurchy@gov.sk.ca
Cell: 306-537-7051