CUTTING-EDGE SNOWPLOW TRUCK PRODUCED THROUGH PARTNERSHIP

Saskatchewan Highways and Transportation will produce a state-of-the-art snowplow for the City of Prince Albert under an innovative partnership announced today.

Early in 2007, Saskatchewan Highways and Transportation will deliver a snowplow truck, which is similar to those used by the provincial government's own snowplow fleet, to the City of Prince Albert. These trucks are faster, more efficient and can do the same job as several pieces of traditional snow removal equipment.

"I'm very proud of the innovation demonstrated by the department engineers and mechanics who invented the technology being used on these plows. Their hard work and dedication to find better ways to keep Saskatchewan highways clear and safe for motorist during the winter have helped develop a technologically-advanced snowplow sought by other organizations," Highways and Transportation Minister Eldon Lautermilch said. "In addition, this partnership will also give valuable experience to our Aboriginal apprentices, which helps put more skilled labour into the Saskatchewan economy."

The City's snowplow truck was designed by Saskatchewan Highways and Transportation. One of the truck's components is patented and the technology for it has been sought by other jurisdictions.

"I am impressed with the technology behind the department's snowplow and I look forward to our community getting its own version," Prince Albert Mayor Jim Scarrow said. "This new truck will help upgrade our snowplow fleet and will be able to clean our streets faster and more efficiently than our existing methods, which saves time and money."

The City was responsible for procuring and supplying the bulk of the snowplow's components. The snowplow truck is currently being assembled at the Saskatchewan Highways and Transportation shop in Prince Albert by experienced heavy-duty mechanics and apprentices. The apprentices working on the project are participants in the Aboriginal Heavy Duty Mechanics Apprenticeship Program. The program, which is a partnership between the Department of Highways and Transportation and participating First Nation and Métis organizations, is an opportunity for Aboriginal apprentices to get the experience they need to build prosperous futures in Saskatchewan.

The City has the option to collaborate with the provincial department on additional trucks.

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For More Information, Contact:

Dan Palmer Highways and Transportation Regina Phone: 306-787-4805 Cell: 306-536-9692

Tony Bassett City of Prince Albert Prince Albert Phone: 306-953-4367