ENHANCED TOURISM SIGNING PROGRAM ANNOUNCED

Saskatchewan Highways and Transportation has announced a new Enhanced Tourism Signing Program for 2004-05, in advance of the province's Centennial celebrations.

The province will provide $250,000 in funding for highway signs to help promote parks and tourist attractions, and ensure visitors can find and enjoy all that the province has to offer.

"Tourism maintains thousands of businesses, promotes events, attractions and venues that support our culture and heritage, and adds to our sense of provincial pride," Highways and Transportation Minister Maynard Sonntag said. "Through the Enhanced Tourism Signing initiative, we will work with Tourism Saskatchewan to help Saskatchewan communities promote their exciting local attractions and boost tourism in time for Saskatchewan's Centennial."

The previous three-year Centenary Enhanced Tourism Signing Program (2000-2003) was highly successful, with a total of $600,000 provided by the province to erect tourism signs along provincial highways. When this program ended last year, applications for funding continued to be submitted. The high demand prompted the development of the new program.

"The Centenary Enhanced Tourism Signing Program has been a great partnership between the tourism industry and the Department of Highways," President/CEO of Tourism Saskatchewan Roy Anderson said. "We commend the department for their work to continue with the program as we move into the Centenary. The industry, and our ability to move tourists around the province, will benefit greatly."

Of the $250,000, a maximum of $200,000 is targeted to address outstanding applications received last year and new applications in 2004-05. Successful applicants will receive 50 per cent of their signage cost. Previous applicants will be notified of the new program, while new applications will be received on a first-come, first-serve basis until Sept. 15th, 2004.

The remaining $50,000 in the Enhanced Tourism Signing fund has been allocated for applications pertaining to signage along the Trans Canada Trail, and a major upgrade to the border sign on Highway 6 at the Port of Regway.

An additional $60,000 has been budgeted to improve provincial park signing on provincial highways. Saskatchewan Highways and Transportation and Saskatchewan Environment staff are working to identify and prioritize park signing improvements.

To learn more about the Enhanced Tourism Signing Program and/or apply for funding, go to www.highways.gov.sk.ca, or call Provincial Sign Co-ordinator Charles Matt at (306) 933-8319.

-30-

For More Information, Contact:

Kirsten Leatherdale Highways and Transportation Regina Phone: (306) 787-8484

Charles Matt Highways and Transportation Saskatoon Phone: (306) 933-8319