TOWN OF MEADOW LAKE RECEIVES INFRASTRUCTURE INVESTMENT

The town of Meadow Lake is receiving $500,000 worth of new federal and provincial infrastructure funds under the Canada-Saskatchewan Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund (MRIF).

The provincial and federal governments are contributing $250,000 each through the MRIF to Meadow Lake's water treatment plant upgrades. The town is contributing the remaining $1,210,930.

This investment is part of the more than $26 million in federal, provincial and municipal funds outlined today for 31 MRIF infrastructure projects across the province. The governments of Canada and Saskatchewan will contribute $3.9 million each to these 31 projects, while participating municipalities will provide the remaining $18.2 million.

"The Government of Saskatchewan is committed to working with all levels of government to develop, renew and enhance the infrastructure in our communities," Government Relations Minister Harry Van Mulligen said. "The Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund enables our municipalities to plan, finance and deliver on their infrastructure priorities. Our investment in Meadow Lake's water treatment plant is an investment in the future health and sustainability of our communities."

This MRIF funding includes six local road projects, 21 wastewater and water supply improvements, two energy-efficient building projects, one cultural and one recreational project.

To date, 91 projects worth more than $91 million in federal, provincial and municipal funds have been announced under the MRIF program.

In total, the federal and provincial governments are investing $76 million in the four-year Canada-Saskatchewan Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund. Participating communities are expected to contribute one-half the cost of any project, which could raise the total infrastructure investment to $152 million.

Before receiving final approval, community projects undergo a review process under both the Canadian Environment Assessment Act and The Environmental Assessment Act (Saskatchewan). All mitigating factors will be addressed during the construction phase.

Information on the Government of Canada and Province of Saskatchewan's infrastructure programs is available at www.infrastructure.gc.ca or www.municipal.gov.sk.ca/mrd/prosimsi.shtml.

Municipalities seeking more information should contac the Canada-Saskatchewan Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund Joint Secretariat at (306) 787-7414.

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For More Information, Contact:

Bill Carney Government Relations Regina Phone: (306) 787-6156