CANADA AND SASKATCHEWAN ANNOUNCE FUNDING FOR 15 NEW INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS

The MP for Saskatoon-Rosetown-Biggar, Kelly Block, along with the MLA for Saskatchewan Rivers Nadine Wilson on behalf of Municipal Affairs Minister Jeremy Harrison and Saskatoon Mayor Donald Atchison today announced funding for 15 new infrastructure projects across Saskatchewan. These projects will benefit from nearly $45.8 million in funding from the federal, provincial and municipal governments. Federal funding represents over $19.8 million under the Infrastructure Stimulus Fund, part of Canada's Economic Action Plan.

"Our government is taking action to create jobs and build vital infrastructure across Saskatchewan," said MP Block. "As we enter the second phase of Canada's Economic Action Plan, our priority will be to continue its rapid implementation with projects such as this. At the same time, we continue to look ahead at future challenges, which include reducing the deficit once our economy is fully recovered and building a strong foundation for job creation and our economic future."

"This announcement today again shows our commitment to continue building on our economic momentum in Saskatchewan," Wilson said. "These major projects show that Saskatoon and Saskatchewan are moving forward."

"The maintenance and improvement of Saskatoon roadways helps to ensure that we can meet the transportation needs of our growing city now, and into the future," Atchison said. "Infrastructure is important to our daily routines, and with the help of our federal partner, we are able to move forward on three more roadway projects in 2010."

Of the 15 new projects announced today, Saskatoon will be receiving 3 new local road infrastructure projects worth a total of $800,000:

• the ultra thin overlay treatment for 33rd Street and Confederation Drive
• Briarwood Road rehabilitation
• Greystone Gravel Lane rehabilitation

The federal contribution to the projects comes from the $4-billion Infrastructure Stimulus Fund, which provides funding to provincial, territorial and municipal construction-ready infrastructure projects that can be completed by March 31, 2011.

To learn more about Canada's Economic Action Plan, visit www.actionplan.gc.ca.

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For more information, contact:

Michael van Hemmen
Office of the Minister of State (Transport)
613-949-8624

Infrastructure Canada
613-948-1148

Greg Urbanoski
Communications Consultant
Saskatchewan Municipal Affairs
306-787-2155

Kirsten Leatherdale
Saskatchewan Highways and Infrastructure
306-787-8484

Mike Gutek
Acting General Manager
Infrastructure Services
City of Saskatoon
306-085-2450