INFRASTRUCTURE SUPPORT FOR THREE MORE SASKATCHEWAN COMMUNITIES

More than $250,000 in federal and provincial funds will be invested in infrastructure projects worth $377,055 in Star City and the Rural Municipalities of Foam Lake and Bengough.

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 (CSIP).

"These projects highlight the program's objective to ensure that local municipal governments identify those projects that require the most urgent funding," Goodale said. "Through CSIP the Government of Canada has invested more than $9.7 million in Saskatchewan this year."

"The co-operation of the people of these communities, the federal government, and the provincial government has made these projects possible," Osika said. "An abundant supply of safe water and safe transportation links are 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."

"The Government of Canada is committed to investing in community-based infrastructure projects which directly benefit the day-to-day lives of its citizens," Owen said. "For example, today's announcement means Star City and Tuffnell residents can access a sustainable source of drinking water."

Star City will receive $91,500 from both the federal and provincial government toward a $275,000 upgrade of its water distribution system. The town will connect to an existing Sask Water pipeline to solve its water supply problems. The RM of Foam Lake will expand and upgrade the water treatment plant in the Hamlet of Tuffnell with the federal and provincial governments providing an equal contribution of $4,544. This project will reduce the color and odour levels to acceptable provincial standards and provide residents with better-tasting water. The RM of Bengough will upgrade Grid Road 705 to current standards with separate federal-provincial investments of $29,641 from CSIP.

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.

The first priority of the program is green infrastructure – projects that contribute to clean air and water. 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.

Funding for these initiatives was provided for in the February 2003 federal budget and the March 2003 provincial budget.

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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