NORTH BATTLEFORD AND AREA RESIDENTS BENEFIT FROM MORE THAN $1.2 MILLION INVESTMENT IN INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS

The residents of the Battlefords-Lloydminster region will benefit from more than $1.2 million in combined federal and provincial funding for six infrastructure projects through the Canada-Saskatchewan Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund (MRIF).

These investments were announced today by Gerry Ritz, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food and Minister for the Canadian Wheat Board, on behalf of the Honourable Rona Ambrose, President of the Queen's Privy Council for Canada, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs and Minister of Western Economic Diversification, Biggar MLA Randy Weekes, on behalf of Municipal Affairs Minister Bill Hutchinson and North Battleford Mayor Julian Sadlowski.

"Our government's investment in these projects will bring much needed infrastructure to the residents of the Battleford area, from recreational facilities, to safer roads, to improved water conservation," said Ritz. "Today's investment reflects our government's commitment to help communities grow as vibrant and productive places to live, work and raise families."

Today's announcement includes $250,000 to assist the town of Battleford for necessary upgrades and restoration of its Opera House/Town Hall. North Battleford residents will receive more than $113,000 to build a new 1,332 sq. ft. activity centre. A full list of project descriptions and investments is attached.

"I'm pleased to see the provincial government investing in infrastructure projects that will benefit these communities for years to come," Weekes said. "These investments will help fulfil our government's commitment to building a better future for all Saskatchewan people."

"The financial assistance we are receiving from MRIF will allow us to rebuild the Centennial Park Activity Centre to accommodate those who are physically challenged and the elderly," Sadlowski said. "The project is long overdue but is brought to the forefront now with this funding program."

Under the initial Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund (MRIF) Agreement, the federal and provincial governments committed a combined $76 million to the Fund, with participating communities contributing one-half of all costs, raising the total infrastructure investment above $152 million.

In 2007, the governments of Canada and Saskatchewan provided an additional $14.9 million to the Fund as part of their commitment to help smaller communities meet their pressing infrastructure needs. This additional funding brings the total federal and provincial investment in MRIF projects to over $90.9 million.

Before receiving final approval, community projects undergo a review process under both the Canadian Environment Assessment Act and The Environmental Assessment Act (Saskatchewan).

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For more information, contact:

Joanne Mysak
Western Economic Diversification Canada
Saskatoon
Phone: 306-975-5942

Tyler McMurchy
Municipal Affairs
Regina
Phone: 306-787-5193
Cell: 306-537-7051