COMMUNITIES RECEIVE INFRASTRUCTURE SUPPORT

More than $23 million in federal and provincial funds will be spent on 75 infrastructure projects in communities across the province, resulting in a total investment of more than $60 million in Saskatchewan communities.

The Honourable Ralph Goodale, Minister of Finance, on behalf of the Honourable Dr. Rey D. Pagtakhan, Minister of Western Economic Diversification, and Saskatchewan Government Relations Minister Len Taylor today announced funding support through the Canada-Saskatchewan Infrastructure Program.

"These projects are evidence of the impact CSIP is having on community infrastructure," Goodale said. "The result of this federal-provincial collaboration with municipalities is an improved quality of life in Saskatchewan communities."

"We are working with our partners – Saskatchewan people and the federal government – to build sustainable communities. We are committed to providing safe drinking water, environmentally sound waste systems, and quality transportation infrastructure for the citizens of our province," Taylor said. "We are proud to be part of the CSIP team contributing to the success of Saskatchewan."

More than 60 per cent of all projects announced today are green municipal projects. Forty-eight communities, including five in northern Saskatchewan, will receive more than $14 million in federal-provincial funds to upgrade water supply and wastewater services. CSIP will contribute more than $7 million toward 23 transportation projects. The City of Yorkton will see $385,255 invested in its recreation centre.

With today's announcement, the federal and provincial governments have announced more than $107 million for 372 projects since 2001. Over the five years of the program, more than $170 million in federal, provincial and municipal funds will be invested in Saskatchewan municipalities.

The Canada-Saskatchewan Infrastructure Program provides up to two-thirds of the eligible costs of community infrastructure projects. Communities provide the remaining one-third of project costs, making the program a unique partnership among all three levels of government.

The first priority for infrastructure investment through the CSIP is green municipal projects such as water and wastewater developments and upgrades, solid waste management and recycling, and improving the energy efficiency of buildings owned by municipal governments.

Other priorities under the program include local transportation infrastructure, cultural and recreational facilities, infrastructure supporting tourism, rural and remote telecommunications, high-speed Internet access for local public institutions and affordable housing.

Before receiving final approval, community projects must undergo a review process under the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act. Environment approval is pending on 23 of today's projects and is expected to be completed in the next few months.

Funding for these initiatives was provided for in the March 2004 federal and provincial budgets.

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For More Information, Contact:

Maureen Boyle Government Relations and Aboriginal Affairs Regina Phone: (306)787-5959

Joanne Mysak Western Economic Diversification Canada Saskatoon Phone: (306)975-5942