IMPROVING CONNECTIONS FOR FIRST NATIONS IN EAST CENTRAL SASKATCHEWAN

Saskatchewan Highways and Transportation is investing $19.2 million to upgrade the Highway 55 corridor in east central Saskatchewan.

The major paving project is a component of the province’s broader strategy to maximize the transportation system’s impact on economic development, which includes increasing access to Aboriginal communities.

“We recognize the important role that our First Nations play in the Saskatchewan economy, and the necessity of providing greater access for residents living in these isolated communities,” Highways and Transportation Minister Eldon Lautermilch said.  “With these upgrades, we’re contributing to a better life for families and a brighter future for our youth.”

The department will pave 29.3 km of Highway 55 starting where the pavement turns into gravel east of Carrot River to the Shoal Lake First Nation turnoff, approximately 74 km from the Manitoba border.  In addition, the two First Nation access roads that link up to Highway 55 will also be upgraded and paved.  They include the 14.1 km access into the Red Earth First Nation and the 2.9 km access into the Shoal Lake First Nation.  The improvements will remove any sharp hills and allow for a speed limit increase from 80 km/h to 100 km/h.

Construction is scheduled to begin this spring and is expected to be completed by the end of the 2008-2009 construction season.

“Improving the roads will allow our people to participate in greater economic development and tourism opportunities,” Red Earth First Nation Chief Miller Nawakayas said.  “The improvement should result in more frequent shipments of goods and supplies, from basic groceries to construction materials.”

“These access roads are slippery and muddy in the rainy season, and very bumpy and dusty in the dry season,” Shoal Lake First Nation Chief Marcel Head said.  “It’s a problem for pedestrians and motorists, including our ambulance.  We see this road improvement as essential to improving our quality of life and our ability to participate in the growing economy.”

This $19.2 million investment is part of the government’s long-term plan to ensure the transportation network meets the current and future demands of a thriving and diverse economy.

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For more information, contact:

Lynette Piper
Highways and Transportation
Regina
Phone: 306-798-2116
Email: lpiper@highways.gov.sk.ca
Cell: 306-536-9692