FIRST PAYMENTS APPROVED UNDER SASKATCHEWAN INFRASTRUCTURE GROWTH INITIATIVE

Premier Brad Wall today announced nearly $75 million in interest-free loans to help municipalities deal with the demand for more residential lots and infrastructure across the province.

The money is coming through the Saskatchewan Infrastructure Growth Initiative (SIGI) - a program promise made during the last election.

"I'm very pleased the program is turning out to be so popular," Wall said. "The entire $75 million offered this year will be allocated, saving local governments millions of dollars in interest-fees and helping communities build the infrastructure to sustain our current economic momentum."

Through SIGI, the ministry of Municipal Affairs provides payments to municipalities to offset the incurred interest charges associated with loans to local governments. Over the four-year program, Saskatchewan municipalities will be able to access a total of $300 million in interest-free loans, or $75 million per year.

Wall made today's announcement in Yorkton where $2 million in interest-free loans will be provided for new residential subdivisions and $9.455 million to replace three existing water plants.

A complete list of communities and projects that received interest subsidies through SIGI is attached.

Communities interested in applying for SIGI for 2009/10 have until September 30, 2008 to submit their applications to the Ministry of Municipal Affairs. For more information on SIGI, visit www.municipal.gov.sk.ca/grant-programs/sigi.

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For more information, contact:

Kathy Young
Executive Council
Regina
Phone: 306-787-0425
Email: kathy.young@gov.sk.ca
Cell: 306-526-8927

Greg Urbanoski
Municipal Affairs
Regina
Phone: 306-787-2155
Email: greg.urbanoski@gov.sk.ca