CANADA AND SASKATCHEWAN HELP MUNICIPALITIES MEET INFRASTRUCTURE NEEDS

The Governments of Canada and Saskatchewan signed an agreement today to jointly invest $76 million in municipal infrastructure projects across the province over the next four years. Participating communities will be expected to contribute one-half of the cost of any project, raising the total infrastructure investment as high as $152 million.

"This agreement is a key element in our New Deal for Cities and Communities," said Ralph Goodale, Finance Minister on behalf of John Godfrey, Minister of State (Infrastructure and Communities). "We are providing this and other long-term stable funding in partnership with Saskatchewan, so that municipalities can move forward with their priority infrastructure projects and improve our quality of life."

"Saskatchewan's $38 million dollar contribution to the Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund is part of this government's commitment to fund municipal and regional infrastructure for Saskatchewan communities," Government Relations Minister Len Taylor said. "We are pleased to have negotiated provisions in the agreement that reflect Saskatchewan's unique needs and incorporate suggestions on how to improve infrastructure programs from our municipal partners."

All Saskatchewan municipalities may propose projects for funding under the new Canada-Saskatchewan Municipal Rural Infrastructure Agreement, which sets aside up to 20 per cent of its resources for projects in Regina and Saskatoon and provides $4 million for northern Saskatchewan communities.

The new fund will invest 45 per cent of its resources in "green" projects that result in cleaner air and water. Eligible projects include water and sewage treatment, solid waste, public transit, and energy improvements to municipal buildings. The fund will also support better roads and bridges, cultural, recreational and tourism projects, and improved Internet connections.

The Canada-Saskatchewan Infrastructure Secretariat will continue to review and evaluate applications, and provide a single-window access point for municipal partners. Western Economic Diversification and Saskatchewan Government Relations will be responsible for the day-to-day delivery of the Canada-Saskatchewan Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund on behalf of the Governments of Canada and Saskatchewan.

A Project Review Committee consisting of federal and provincial representatives, along with representatives of the Saskatchewan Urban Municipalities Association, the Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities and the Saskatchewan Association of Northern Communities will decide which projects should be recommended for funding.

The federal contribution from the Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund is one of a series of investments the Government of Canada is making across the country. Similar agreements have also been signed in Ontario, Manitoba and New Brunswick. It builds on the success of the Canada-Saskatchewan Infrastructure Program (CSIP). More than $257 million in federal, provincial and municipal funds are being invested in over 290 Saskatchewan communities through 390 projects over CSIP's life.

For more information on the Government of Canada and Saskatchewan's infrastructure programs, visit www.infrastructure.gc.ca. or www.municipal.gov.sk.ca/mrd/prosimsi.shtml.

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For More Information, Contact:

Cathy Gourlie Government Relations Regina Phone: (306) 787-2687	Carla Ventin Office of the Minister of State Ottawa Phone: (613) 948-2688
Pat Breton Office of the Minister of Finance Ottawa Phone: (613) 996-7861	Infrastructure Canada Ottawa Phone: (613) 948-1148