NEW SPECIAL NEEDS VEHICLE FOR THE CITY OF YORKTON

Deputy Premier and Rural Revitalization Minister Clay Serby, on behalf of Government Relations Minister Len Taylor, today handed over the keys for a new vehicle for Yorkton's special needs transportation service to Yorkton Mayor Phil DeVos.

The province contributed $55,000 for the vehicle through the Municipal Transit Assistance for People with Disabilities Program. The total cost of the vehicle is about $88,000.

"We are very happy to provide funding toward the cost of a new vehicle and to support the ongoing operational costs of this service," Serby said. "This new vehicle will improve transportation services for Yorkton residents, services which are essential to a person's ability to work, socialize and live independently within the community."

"Safe, reliable transportation is a necessary but costly service that must be provided by a city of our size and potential growth," DeVos said. "I am pleased that the Province of Saskatchewan recognizes this need and has allocated a substantial amount of the funding."

Through the Municipal Transit Assistance for People with Disabilities Program, the provincial government provides financial assistance for 77 communities with both operating grants as well as providing capital toward the cost of 5 new vehicles per year. The province provided a total of $2.65 million for the program in 2003-2004.

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For More Information, Contact:

Maureen Boyle Government Relations and Aboriginal Affairs Regina Phone: (306) 787-5959