FIFTEEN COMMUNITIES RECEIVE INFRASTRUCTURE SUPPORT

More than $3 million in federal and provincial funds have been invested in 17 infrastructure projects located in 15 communities across the province through the final installment of the Canada-Saskatchewan Infrastructure Program (CSIP).

The Honourable Stephen Owen, Minister of Western Economic Diversification and Minister of State (Sport) and Community Resources and Employment Minister Joanne Crofford on behalf of Government Relations Minister Len Taylor announced the investment today.

"From a waterline replacement in Humboldt to the Canada Summer Games site preparation in Regina, infrastructure projects such as these are the foundation for sustainable growth in our communities," said Minister Owen. "We are committed to strengthening our communities by supporting locally identified projects that bring social, economic and environmental benefits to Canadians."

"We are committed to providing safe drinking water, environmentally sound waste systems, quality transportation infrastructure and supporting culture and recreational facilities for the citizens of our province," Crofford said. "We are proud to work with our CSIP partners to contribute to the success of Saskatchewan communities."

Today's announcement includes 14 new projects and three previously announced projects that will receive additional funding. Nine of the projects announced today are green municipal projects. These nine projects will receive more than $1,648,420 in federal-provincial funds to upgrade water supply and wastewater services. Three transportation projects and four cultural, recreational or sports facilities will receive federal-provincial funds of more than $1,222,000.

The Canada-Saskatchewan Infrastructure Program is a five-year program that will see all projects completed by March 31st, 2006. With today's announcement, the governments of Canada and Saskatchewan have announced more than $113.4 million for 404 projects since 2001. Over the five years of the program, more than $264 million in federal, provincial and municipal funds will be invested in 298 Saskatchewan municipalities.

The first priority for infrastructure investment through the CSIP was green municipal projects such as water and wastewater developments and upgrades, solid waste management and recycling, and improving the energy efficiency of buildings owned by municipal governments. In total, 303 green projects were funded under the CSIP for a total federal-provincial investment of $77 million.

Other priorities under the program included local transportation infrastructure, cultural and recreational facilities, infrastructure supporting tourism, rural and remote telecommunications, high-speed Internet access for local public institutions and affordable housing.

Before receiving final approval, community projects underwent a review process under the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act.

The Canada-Saskatchewan Infrastructure Program is fully subscribed. Saskatchewan municipalities seeking federal and/or provincial government funding for other infrastructure projects should contact the Municipal Rural Infrastructure Secretariat at (306) 787-7414 or www.municipal.gov.sk.ca/mrd/prosimsi.shtml.

Funding for these initiatives was provided for in the 2005 federal and provincial budgets.

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For More Information, Contact:

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

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