CSIP FUND CONTRIBUTES TO LANGHAM WATER TREATMENT PLANT

People in Langham are on their way to having a new water treatment plant thanks to support from the Canada-Saskatchewan Infrastructure Program.

Government Relations Minister Ron Osika and Langham Mayor Emery Ens today turned the sod to officially launch the town's water improvement project.

The federal and provincial governments are each providing $388,986 through the Canada-Saskatchewan Infrastructure Program (CSIP), while the town will contribute $457,970. Announced in April 2003, the $1,235,942 water treatment plant is scheduled to be completed by March 2004. The project includes developing two new groundwater wells to replace five aging wells and upgrading the water treatment plant to reduce iron, manganese, hardness and sulfate levels.

"With infrastructure investments in Langham and other rural communities, the Government of Canada seeks to respond to their immediate needs," Stephen Owen, Secretary of State (Western Economic Diversification) (Indian Affairs Northern Development) said. "By partnering with Langham through the Canada-Saskatchewan Infrastructure Program to upgrade its water treatment plant, WD is meeting its need to better the lives of Canadians in a meaningful way."

"The co-operation of the people of Langham, the federal government, and the provincial government has made this project possible," Osika said. "A safe supply of abundant water is essential in ensuring the sustainability of Saskatchewan communities and we are pleased to be a part of the team contributing to Saskatchewan's wide open future."

"With the help of the Canada-Saskatchewan Infrastructure Program, we are able to proceed with this project to improve water quantity and quality for our citizens," Mayor Ens said. "Our goal of having a safe, reliable supply of drinking water will now be achieved."

This is the third year of the five-year Canada-Saskatchewan Infrastructure Program that will see an investment of more than $170 million in federal, provincial and municipal funds in Saskatchewan municipalities. During the first three years of the program, more than $84 million in federal and provincial funds have been announced for 295 projects. The program provides up to two-thirds of the eligible costs associated with community projects. Communities provide the remaining minimum one-third of the project costs.

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.

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For More Information, Contact:

Ann Anderson Government Relations and Aboriginal Affairs Regina Phone: (306)787-8890

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