ROAD UPGRADE SUPPORTS OSB PLANT

The Province of Saskatchewan has approved funding for a road upgrade in the Meadow Lake area linking the new Oriented Strand Board (OSB) plant to Highway 55.

The province will provide $695,000 – or 60 per cent of the project cost – to surface 6.4 km of the Matchee Grid Road between Highway 55 and the OSB plant. The RM of Meadow Lake will provide $460,000 for a total project cost of $1.1 million.

"This stretch of road will be upgraded from a gravel grid road to a paved surface to better accommodate heavy haul traffic," Highways and Transportation Minister Maynard Sonntag said. "It's an important project to provide improved access to the Meadow Lake OSB mill, supporting industrial development and economic growth in the area."

"Businesses like the OSB mill are of great economic value to Saskatchewan communities," Government Relations Minister Len Taylor said. "It is important to support municipalities to upgrade local roads to meet the transportation demands and support the success of these local businesses."

"This is a priority project for the rural municipality that will benefit the local economy," RM of Meadow Lake Administrator Gina Bernier said. "We were happy to see the province come on board with funding."

Provincial funding will be accessed through the Heavy Haul-High Volume Road Program (HH-HV). This program provides financial assistance to municipalities wanting to upgrade roads with high traffic and heavy haul related to local industry. Saskatchewan Government Relations and Aboriginal Affairs provides program funding, which is administered through Saskatchewan Highways and Transportation.

Saskatchewan Highways and Transportation has made a significant contribution to the success of the OSB plant and forestry industry by upgrading key transportation corridors that will serve the needs of the Meadow Lake area for many years to come. In 2003, major upgrades were completed on Highways 3, 26, 55 and 155. Additional projects to support the forestry sector this construction season include another 14 km upgrading project on Highway 26 north of St. Walburg and completion of surfacing on Highways 3 and 155.

For more information about road construction projects, and other Saskatchewan Highways and Transportation activities, visit the web site at: www.highways.gov.sk.ca.

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For More Information, Contact:

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