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     News Release - April 14, 2003 COMMUNITIES RECEIVE INFRASTRUCTURE SUPPORT
More than $20 million in federal and provincial funds will be spent on 61 infrastructure projects in communities across the province resulting in a total investment of more than $40 million in Saskatchewan communities.
Public Works and Government Services Minister Ralph Goodale, on behalf of Stephen Owen, Secretary of State (Western Economic Diversification) (Indian Affairs and Northern Development) and Saskatchewan Government Relations Minister Ron Osika today announced funding support through the Canada-Saskatchewan Infrastructure Program. "The Government of Canada is clearly committed to diverse investments in our green infrastructure priorities," Goodale said. "From water supply and quality to recycling sites to improved sewage treatment systems, we're working toward our national goals of cleaner water and a cleaner environment. Thanks to partnerships and teamwork, the three levels of government bring their respective resources and skills to the table to get the job done, together, in the public interest." "We are working with our partners – Saskatchewan people and the federal government– to build sustainable communities. We are committed to providing safe drinking water, environmentally sound waste systems, and quality transportation infrastructure for the citizens of our province," Osika said. "We are proud to be part of the CSIP team contributing to the success of Saskatchewan." More than 80 per cent of all projects announced today are green municipal projects. Forty-three communities, including five in Northern Saskatchewan, will receive more than $9.2 million in federal-provincial funds to upgrade water supply and wastewater services, including $949,000 for the City of North Battleford. Another $2.9 million will be invested in four solid waste projects, including the construction of a new landfill in Prince Albert. Two energy efficiency projects will receive $43,330. Eleven communities will receive more than $8.7 million in federal-provincial funds to repair or upgrade streets and rural roads, including work on Circle Drive, Warman Road, Preston Avenue and noise reduction barriers in Saskatoon. The Saskatchewan War Memorial Inc. will receive $100,000 from the strategic portion of the fund for the war memorial project, which will recognize those from Saskatchewan killed in the Second World War, the Korean War and on Peacekeeping missions. With today's announcement, the federal and provincial governments have announced more than $84 million for 295 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. Environment approval is pending on 36 of today's projects and is expected to be completed in the next few months. Funding for these initiatives was provided for in the February 2003 federal budget and the March 2003 provincial budget. -30- For More Information, Contact:
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